There are strong reports in Madrid that Coach Zinedine Zidane is not very comfortable with the deliveries of new signing Luka Jovic so far. The 21-year old joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for 60 million euros but the Serbian has yet to pick up the pace in attack.

For a player that scored 17 times in 25 games in the German Bundesliga last season, he was expected to hit the ground running, and possibly lead the attack aside Karim Benzema. It is likely that Jovic would be deployed, like he was in the pre-season, in a 4-4-2 formation, partnering with the French striker.

The player remains in the long term plans of the coach but would not be the likely point-man this term. The Serbian might be a much peripheral attacker than expected with Madrid expected to flow through the wings courtesy of Eden Hazard and Vinicius Junior. The full backs might be free from the cuffs to roam the wings while Hazard plays a more central position. With squad depth that includes Isco, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, there are several possibilities that Zidane can deploy.

The 31-year old Benzema would still lead the attackwhile Jovic understudies and partners. He had a decent run last term, and with more goal scoring support, Madrid’s attack is better placed.

Courtois would sit in goal, with Ramos, Varane and Militao in central defence. Carvajal, Mendy, Marcelo and Odriozola are excellent fullbacks. Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Modric would be the link to the forwards. There is also Gareth Bale providing depth in the wings. It is left for Zidane to adopt the best approach in a fresh season of high expectations.