Martin Demichelis has praised Yan Diomande before Real Madrid face RB Leipzig, describing the 19-year-old as a player capable of making a difference on either flank.

Diomande moved from RB Leipzig in the summer for a reported £120M, with the fee potentially increasing through bonuses. He has since made 11 appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists as he adapts to his new surroundings.

The teenager is under significant pressure to establish himself quickly under Jose Mourinho in the Spanish capital, where he is competing for a place alongside some of the best players in world football.

Real Madrid’s meeting with RB Leipzig will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Demichelis believes his side face a demanding challenge. He also acknowledged that his own time working with Diomande was limited.

"I couldn't enjoy him much. I had been named Leipzig coach in July, and the player was at the World Cup, so I know Yan practically more from watching him on television or a computer than from having been able to enjoy him on the pitch," Demichelis explained in an interview with AS.

The coach highlighted Diomande’s ability to operate on either side of the pitch and praised his technical qualities.

"He is one of those who today makes the difference, both on the left and on the right, due to his great handling and control of the ball with both feet. It will depend on him, in that great institution that is Real Madrid, how he can accompany his evolution.

"I have no doubt that he is going to have great coaches and great teammates, but it will depend a bit more on him, on his desire for self-improvement."

Demichelis said RB Leipzig would need to combine defensive discipline with the courage to impose themselves during the match.

"We’ll need to be very alert to Real Madrid’s lightning-fast attacking transitions whilst, at the same time, being able to get into the game ourselves. Jose’s teams are very much characterised by that – by being compact, by knowing when to win the ball back and when to strike."

Real Madrid are currently eighth in the Champions League table. Los Blancos have taken six points from their opening two matches, winning 2-1 against Inter Milan before beating Roma 4-3 in their second game last week.