Spain manager admits Real Madrid star is close to a call-up: “He is highly regarded”

Real Madrid’s clash against Atletico Madrid may not have produced the result that Carlo Ancelotti hoped.

However, the fact remains that Los Blancos deserved all three points on the night and were at their very best in possession-play on the night.

Their one clear standout player on the night was Brahim Diaz. The youngster came into the starting lineup as a last-minute replacement for the injured Vinicius Jr, yet dropped one of the best individual performances of the season in Spain.

While his fight for minutes at Real Madrid is arguably the biggest storyline in Diaz’s story, a parallel and equally fascinating one is that of his international future.

As a player with options to represent both Spain and Morocco, Diaz has seen both sides trade blows for his incorporation.

Despite coming close to joining the African side, he finally backed out and decided that the Spanish side would be better for his future.

Now, the manager of La Roja, Luis de la Fuente, has openly admitted that the Real Madrid star is not far away from a call-up to the National Team before praising his quality.

"Brahim Diaz has all the options to be in the national team. He is a very good player and I know him well. He is highly regarded in his club."

"For me, I hope he and the other players continue to play at this level. Because it is good for them, their clubs and the national team," he added.

It has been clear from the very beginning that the Spanish midfielder’s fight for minutes is not down to his quality but the sheer number of options at Ancelotti’s disposal.

Despite playing a critical role against Atletico Madrid last weekend, it remains to be seen if Diaz is given a start against Girona later this week.

After all, Jude Bellingham is the bonafide starter in his natural position while Vinicius Jr, whom he replaced in the last clash, is back fit.

If Diaz is to start, his only option would be to replace Rodyrgo Goes in the final third. However, that may not sit well from a tactical perspective.