The beginning of the 2023/24 season was a poignant moment in the career development of Brahim Díaz.
After three successive years of plying his trade on loan at Milan, Stefano Pioli and the Milan hierarchy failed to exercise a permanent transfer clause for €22 million — allowing him to return to the Spanish capital.
The decision to let Brahim walk was certainly confusing to Rossoneri fans, especially as the Spanish forward had shown glimpses of excellence, having ranked second in Serie A for goal-creating actions (0.84).
With Real Madrid in what appears to be a slight transitional period in the attacking third, the loss of Karim Benzema has allowed many of Real’s younger offensive talents to flourish with increased minutes in La Liga.
In turn, Brahim has signified his capabilities at the highest level, becoming impactful from the bench and additionally leading the charge from the front with Jude Bellinghams increased absence.
Having enhanced his tactical flexibility while out on loan, Real Madrid now has an incredibly well-balanced dynamic playmaker who can only promote the attacking spark led by the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
This tactical analysis and scout report will highlight how Brahim Díaz has returned to life at the Bernabeu.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has entrusted him with increased responsibilities, not only in the attacking third.
We will address how Brahim has been moulded by the ‘new look’ Madrid tactics, with an analysis of his tenacity and defensive work rate, which sets him apart from the majority of young forwards in Europe.
Brahim Díaz Offensive Position this season
Towards the beginning of this current season, Brahim was forced to make his mark in the games later stages, often coming on for substitute cameos in an attempt to bring life when others were fatigued.
However, since injury issues are catching up with star signing Jude Bellingham, Brahim has had the opportunity to emerge into the starting eleven and showcase his abilities from the outset.
His schematic flexibility has seen Brahim deployed as No 10 in Bellinghams absence and as a strike partner to Rodrygo or Vinicius.
However, in Ancelottis system, we do not really see him as a traditional striker in that sense.
The two forwards often split wider to utilise space on the flanks, creating more of a front three who can work the ball inside to interchange and creatively link play.
Having benefited from his time in Milan learning how to play in attacking midfield, Brahim has developed his positional value by becoming comfortable both out wide on the flanks and between the lines in the central channel.
His ability to find pockets of space nicely complements his proficiency with the ball at his feet, and he takes on the role of an offensive creator when Bellingham is not on the field.
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