Yan Diomande - RB Leipzig's latest jewel propelling them back towards the top
Ole Werner's Leipzig are Bayern Munich's closest pursuers after stretching their unbeaten Bundesliga run to eight games. Yan Diomande's great talent is shining increasingly bright in their promising campaign so far.
Dayot Upamecano, Xavi, Dominik Szoboszlai, Benjamin Šeško and Dani Olmo are just some of the players who have made illustrious names for themselves at RB Leipzig in the recent past - and on the evidence of his current form, Diomande is well on his way to joining them by flourishing at the talent-focused club.
The 18-year-old Ivorian took a little while to find his feet after switching from La Liga side Leganés in July, and was even taken off at half-time when making his first start in a 6-0 humbling at Bayern Munich in the opening match of the season.
The speedy attacker, much like his side, soon settled and has made the rest of the league sit up and take notice in recent weeks.
The Matchday 8 fixture at Augsburg was Diomande's fourth start, and a commanding showing in which he burst through the hosts' defence for his first Bundesliga goal before two assists in a 6-0 success made him impossible to drop for the next encounter.
It was a case of more of the same for the poor VfB Stuttgart defenders on Saturday, as a sublime strike and own goal forced by his cross gave Diomande richly deserved Man of the Match honours as Leipzig made it eight games unbeaten.
Watch: RB Leipzig 3-1 Stuttgart
Diomande showed his game is a lot more than just goals and assists by tearing into 37 challenges against Stuttgart - more than any other player on the pitch. He has also clocked the second-fastest speed of any player so far this season at 35.98 kmph (22.35 mph).
He is in no mood to bask in his good moment, saying afterwards: "We are trying to work and get better every day. We have a lot of potential, and I think we can do better."
Watch: The best of Yan Diomande
With their main rivals in the nascent race for the top four all in midweek European action, Leipzig and Diomande can prepare calmly for a trip to Hoffenheim on Matchday 10 - and if they do improve further, as promised, their fans can look forward to a very exciting season indeed.
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