Real Madrid icon Luis Figo talks Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Ballon d’Or: ‘He will take on a more prominent role’ | OneFootball

Luis Figo has urged Real Madrid fans to be patient with Yan Diomande as the young winger continues adapting to life at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Diomande has become one of the most discussed players in the Real Madrid squad due to his €140 million price tag. 

His performances have led some fans to call for him to start ahead of Vinicius Jr., but Figo believes the Ivorian needs time to fully understand what is required at one of the biggest clubs in football.

The former Real Madrid star feels the transition from another club to Real Madrid brings a different level of pressure and expectation.

“It’s normal for him to take it step by step. There’s a certain settling-in period. Playing for Real Madrid isn’t the same as playing for any other team,” explained Figo.

Figo expects Diomande to play a bigger role

Figo nevertheless believes Diomande has already made encouraging progress since arriving and expects his influence to increase as the season develops.

Rather than judging the youngster purely on whether he starts ahead of Vinicius, Figo pointed towards the youngster’s wider adaptation to the club.

“He’s already adapting to what Real Madrid is all about. And he’s developing.”

Figo has urged patience with Yan Diomande. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

The competition with Vinicius will certainly attract attention, particularly when Diomande produces performances that excite the Bernabeu. 

For now, though, Figo sees his progression as something that should happen gradually. 

“I think that in the coming matches he’ll contribute more and start to take on a more prominent role.”

Figo discusses Bernardo Silva’s situation

Figo was also asked about Bernardo Silva, another Portuguese player whose position in Mourinho’s Real Madrid team has become a talking point.

The former Madrid winger focused on Bernardo’s technical qualities and what he can offer when given opportunities.

“Bernardo has great technical ability. If Mourinho decides to give him more playing time, he’ll surely bring that quality to bear. 

“He can bring quality to the build-up play, which is one of his strengths,” he added.

Figo names several Ballon d’Or contenders

Figo feels this year’s Ballon d’Or race is wide open. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images for Duracell)

The conversation then turned towards the Ballon d’Or, with Figo describing an open race involving several high-profile names.

“In my opinion, there are three or four favourites to win the Ballon d’Or. A Spaniard for having won the World Cup, such as Lamine Yamal or Rodri, even though Rodri didn’t play much last season due to his injury.”

Figo also did not overlook the merits of other great players during the World Cup itself, stating, 

“Mbappé and Messi were also very good. For me, there are three or four candidates… well… perhaps a few more.”

Figo then added another group of players to the discussion, pointing towards the importance of Champions League success and individual performances.

“We could also mention a player from Paris Saint-Germain for having won the Champions League. Dembele, for example, could also be among the favourites. 

“And I can’t forget Olise or Kane, who have also had a fantastic season. It’s true that there are plenty of contenders this year,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo