How does Vinicius Jr. backup Brahim Diaz’s national change affect Real Madrid’s squad dynamics?

Brahim Diaz might not be the most popular name in the Real Madrid squad, but the former Manchester City academy player is a good squad player and is an important part of the Bernabeu setup. He joined Real Madrid for the first spell from Manchester City, but the Malaga-born playmaker did not get first-team chances, leading to a 3-year loan spell at AC Milan.

After impressing in Italy, a return to the Spanish capital became imminent, and he completed the switch in the last transfer window. Although he was born in Spain and represented the country at every youth level, Brahim Diaz switched his allegiance to Morocco, his father’s home country, complicating the squad dynamics at Real Madrid.

Brahim Diaz’s decision spells trouble for Real Madrid plans

Brahim Diaz returned to Real Madrid from AC Milan after a 3-year loan spell. The former Manchester City youngster left Real Madrid in 2020 in search of more playing time, and he got plenty of it in Italy. Considered a mature player, Real Madrid re-signed Diaz as he’s now an important first-team squad member.

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Source: Aksam

Sadly, his decision to switch allegiance to Morocco could hurt Real Madrid’s squad dynamics. Born in Spain to a Moroccan father, Diaz had represented Spain at every youth level, and even got a senior call-up in 2021 and made his debut for the country in a 4-0 win over Lithuania, where he also got his first senior goal.

The African Cup of Nations is coming up in January, and if Diaz gets called up by Morocco to represent the country in the tournament, Real Madrid could be without Diaz for the duration of the tournament. While Diaz is not the first name on the preferred XI, he’s an important squad member, and his loss could prove vital for Real Madrid as they’ll be without a key player for over a month.

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Source: Planet Football

Madrid may not miss Brahim much if Jude Bellingham continues to pop goals and his goalscoring run extends beyond this year. The Spanish giants will also hope that the former Dortmund midfielder can form a productive partnership with Vinicius Jr., who helped convince the Englishman to join the Bernabeu outfit.

Diaz returns to Madrid after loan at AC Milan

Real Madrid let Diaz go on a 3-year loan at AC Milan to develop his game, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side recalled the new Moroccan international in July to form a youthful setup in the Spanish capital. The former City midfielder was an important part of the AC Milan team that won the Scudetto in 2022, as he developed his all-round game in Italy.

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Source: Rossoneri Blog

His return to Real Madrid hasn’t been great as Ancelotti prefers to play with stronger wingers over Diaz, but with so many games left to play in the season, the former Spain international will get his chance with the Los Blancos.

Real Madrid have been dealing with injuries to key players like Eder Militao and David Alaba, and Brahim Diaz’s potential call-up to the Moroccan national team to play in the AFCON could worsen the club’s situation a few months from now.

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