Vinícius ban gives Diomande, Endrick and Espi a chance to reshape Real Madrid’s attack

Three attackers have a window to impress while Vinícius serves his ban

Vinícius Jr’s four-match La Liga suspension has given José Mourinho a chance to test different combinations in Real Madrid’s attack, with Yan Diomande, Endrick and Carlos Espi among the players competing for minutes.

Madrid’s recent performances have offered contrasting examples of the options available. In a 4-1 win over Sevilla, Kylian Mbappe led a front three with Endrick on the right and Diomande on the left, while Jude Bellingham played in midfield. Against RB Leipzig, Mbappe again started centrally, supported by Vinícius and Arda Guler. Diomande came on for Vinícius and scored with a volley; Endrick and Espi also entered late in the match.

Diomande is in line for an extended audition

Diomande has moved from the fringes into the starting picture, featuring in five of Madrid’s past six matches and starting the last three, according to the report. The winger’s pace and direct dribbling have made him an option on either flank, and his recent goal against Leipzig strengthened his case.

Mourinho praised the winger’s work ethic and willingness to learn, 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 also said Diomande had “a lot to improve” but had played “a great game” and was developing.

The ban leaves Diomande with three La Liga matches without direct competition from Vinícius, beginning with Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. His challenge will be to turn the opportunity into consistent decisive performances. Vinícius remains available for Champions League matches, so the competition for a regular role will continue even during the domestic suspension.

Endrick brings pace; Espi offers a penalty-box presence

Endrick’s versatility could give Madrid a different way to attack. He can operate from the right or through the middle, drive at defenders and carry the ball into dangerous areas. The report says he faces a crowded forward line after returning from a loan spell at Lyon, making a clear role and meaningful minutes important if he is to build momentum.

Espi, meanwhile, offers a more traditional centre-forward profile. The 21-year-old is described as a 6ft 4in striker who can occupy central defenders, attack crosses and provide a focal point in the box. He has scored three goals in 37 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League, a return that has prompted calls for more opportunities, although the sample is small and Mbappe’s position as the main striker limits his prospects of starting.

For Mourinho, the suspension creates room to assess alternatives rather than a guaranteed change in hierarchy. Diomande has the clearest immediate route to a starting place, while Endrick’s range of roles and Espi’s potential impact from the bench give Madrid further ways to adjust their attack.