Brahim Diaz is on his way to becoming a ‘title hunter.’ This is because wherever he sets foot, his team tends to secure championships.
In Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Granada in matchday 35 of La Liga on May 11, Diaz scored a brace. Prior to that, on the day ‘Los Blancos’ crushed Cadiz 3-0 to become the champions of the Spanish La Liga, the 24-year-old midfielder also shone with 1 goal and 1 assist.
Diaz’s explosive season
Up to now, Diaz has scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists for Real Madrid in La Liga this season. Across all competitions, this player has contributed with 12 goals and 5 assists, marking his best performance in his career.
When mentioning Real Madrid nowadays, names like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes come to mind—powerful goal scorers who dominate La Liga. However, it would be remiss to overlook Diaz’s contributions.
“In the 2023/24 season, Diaz started 17 matches in La Liga and 3 matches in the Champions League. In the rest, he came off the bench. Regardless of whether he played a supporting or leading role, the 24-year-old consistently demonstrated his value.
In February, Diaz scored in a 1-1 draw against Atletico in La Liga. Against Leipzig in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, he found the net again, helping his team secure an away victory.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti kept his promise by giving Diaz more playing opportunities. The 24-year-old did not disappoint his Italian manager, consistently delivering outstanding performances.
At Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham occupies Diaz’s preferred position. Thus, it is challenging for Ancelotti to field both attacking players simultaneously. After all, Bellingham remains the favored choice of the Italian strategist.
Nevertheless, this does not bother Diaz. He has never complained or shown dissatisfaction. His conduct, both on and off the field, is exemplary, demonstrating remarkable professionalism.”
How has Diaz changed?
“According to Marca, the factor that helped Diaz find his footing at Real Madrid this season is his remarkable physical transformation. ‘When he returned to Real Madrid, I saw him stronger and more confident,’ coach Ancelotti said about his pupil.
Someone familiar with Diaz added, ‘His development has been slow but steady.’ Compared to when he first joined Real Madrid, the midfielder born in 1999 now looks more robust. This physical improvement has greatly aided him in one-on-one duels.
Unlike many players who immerse themselves in the gym to build muscle, the midfielder who came up through Malaga chose to listen to his body. He also follows a strict diet and places significant emphasis on rest.
The turning point in Diaz’s physical transformation came during his loan spell at AC Milan. Serie A is a physically demanding league. There, Diaz was ‘beaten’ many times, leading him to adapt and change to survive in such a tough environment.
Now, Diaz trains relentlessly, even during the summer. He returns to Malaga, using his break to continue adjusting his body to suit his inherent qualities. Every morning, Diaz adheres to a rigorous training regimen.”
Diaz is disrupting all predictions.
“Success doesn’t come naturally. Diaz’s efforts have paid off in the 2023/24 season. He has defied all predictions. When Real Madrid signed Bellingham, it seemed like Diaz might be sidelined or frozen out on the bench, but that didn’t happen.
At 24, Diaz boasts a collection of titles that many envy. He has won the Premier League with Manchester City, the Serie A with AC Milan, and has twice lifted the La Liga trophy with Real Madrid. This June, the 24-year-old midfielder will once again play in the Champions League final with ‘Los Blancos.’
More importantly, Real Madrid now has a very effective plan B for their attacking front. Diaz offers a solution that can make a significant difference. His energetic and dynamic playing style, along with his impressive dribbling ability, can certainly help ‘Los Blancos’ create surprises.”