Mbappe will now make Real Madrid shine more

Last season saw Real Madrid at times happy to see rivals have the ball, before hitting them with a counter-attack led by Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.

If you add Mbappe to the mix, the threat on the break is even more potent, although there is a slight doubt about where he will play.

Both the Frenchman and Vinicius like to start and cut in from the left, but obviously, they can’t both do that, so either Vinicius moves to the right or Mbappe plays more through the center - which seems likely.

Toni Kroos’ retirement has left a hole in midfield and his ability to keep the ball, with a pass accuracy of well over 90 percent will be missed, but Madrid have shown that with their forwards, they need very little to create clear chances and the fitness of Turkish teenage Arda Guler gives them further options up front and also with shots from outside of the penalty area.

Central defender Nacho Fernandez has moved to Saudi Arabia, and David Alaba’s knee injury means Madrid currently look a bit light at the back.