Kylian Mbappe wouldn't be guaranteed a place in Madrid's XI

No one is an automatic selection any more. Not Gareth Bale, not Karim Benzema, not even Ronaldo. Isco – who Madrid are about to tie down to a five-year deal with a £637million buy-out – is just as worthy of a starting berth.

And so is Mateo Kovacic who was outstanding in midfield. There will be rotation this year and no one will be able to complain because there is so much quality throughout the squad….

Oh and one more thing: if they are going to miss out on Kylian Mbappe they really shouldn’t shed too many tears. He wants to be first choice wherever he goes. Madrid could not guarantee him that.