Diomande, Espi and Endrick offered as Real Madrid options during Vinicius Jr's La Liga ban
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho must rejig his attack after Vinicius Jr's four-match La Liga suspension, with Yan Diomande, Carlos Espi and Endrick set to provide selection options over the next three league matches. The suspension follows recent tactical changes in Real's forward line across domestic and European fixtures.
Real produced a new-look front three in a 4-1 victory over Sevilla last weekend, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line, Endrick on the right, Yan Diomande on the left and Jude Bellingham operating in midfield. Wednesday's 4–1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig featured Mbappe up front with Vinicius and Arda Guler supporting before Mourinho turned to the bench; Diomande replaced Vinicius in the 69th minute and scored Real's fourth with a spectacular volley, while Carlos Espi and Endrick were introduced late on.
Diomande arrived from RB Leipzig after a 2025–26 campaign in which he recorded 12 goals and nine assists, and the club invested heavily in him because of his pace, direct dribbling and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. Mourinho initially gave him few opportunities—Diomande did not start any of the club's first five games of the season—but he has started five of the past six matches, including the most recent three, and is joint-second for more goal involvements with three goals and four assists.
Mourinho has commented on Diomande's progress, saying: "He works well and hard, he's humble and wants to learn and work. He listens to me and his team-mates. He will grow." He has also recognised the progress being made, adding: "He has a lot to improve, but he's had a great game. He's developing." Diomande also averages the most complete dribbles per 90 minutes and is third for the most chances created in open play.
Vinicius' suspension presents Diomande with a larger role in La Liga, beginning with El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday, and an opportunity to stake a claim for more regular inclusion. The article notes that if Diomande can convert his recent run of starts into consistent goals and assists, he could become a crucial part of Real's attack and justify the club's investment.
Endrick's situation is described as more complicated: the 20-year-old Brazilian returned from a loan spell at Lyon in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign to a squad crowded with attacking options. His performance against Roma was highlighted for adding acceleration, direct running and an ability to attack defenders; the piece says he can operate from the right, drive towards goal and threaten as a central striker, and that the priority must be to give him a clearly defined role and meaningful minutes to build confidence.
Espi is presented as a different tactical option: a natural centre-forward who can occupy central defenders, attack crosses and provide a focal point inside the penalty area. The Spanish striker is 6ft 4in tall, arrived after an 11-goal league campaign with Levante and is described as making a name for himself as one of Real's most effective impact players; the 21-year-old has scored three goals in only 37 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League. The piece suggests his size and finishing make him useful as a late-game option against tired defenders while Mbappe remains the main starter.
Vinicius will remain available for Champions League action, meaning Mourinho must balance squad selection across competitions while deploying Diomande, Espi or Endrick in the three La Liga fixtures that begin with El Clasico on Sunday.