Real Madrid

Casemiro has expressed doubts about Real Madrid's squad after Sunday's 2-2 draw away to Villarreal in La Liga. Real escaped the Estadio de la Ceramica with a point thanks to a brace from Gareth Bale, who was sent off in stoppage time.

Despite avoiding defeat, holding midfielder Casemiro offered a withering assessment of his team, per AS: "We are lacking everything. We have to score goals and be better defensively. This is a team. If we defend, we all defend. If we attack, we all attack. This is the spirit."

While he's in no doubt about the problems Real face, Casemiro thinks he and his team-mates "can change our mindset" during the upcoming international break. He also offered a reminder Real "are obliged to win always."

Winning is something Los Blancos have only managed to do once in three league games so far this season. Sunday's stalemate comes on the heels of a 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid in the home opener.

Casemiro's comments also raise questions about the overall talent and strength in depth in Real's squad. The club invested heavily earlier in the summer, signing players such as Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy.

However, a lengthy injury list has wrecked mananger Zinedine Zidane's plans to get the new arrivals up to speed:

⚪️ @RealMadrid's Injury List:

🚑 Isco
🚑 Thibaut Courtois
🚑 James Rodriguez
🚑 Eden Hazard
🚑 Brahim Diaz
🚑 Luka Jovic
🚑 Rodrygo
🚑 Ferland Mendy
🚑 Marco Asensio

😳 It's not even September yet. pic.twitter.com/eAXKdBKtuZ

— SPORF (@Sporf) August 29, 2019

The absence of potential match-winners like Hazard will no doubt encourage greater demand for more transfers before the window closes on Monday. Real have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen, according to Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror.

Despite the links, Zidane sounds happy with what he has:

Zidane "I am not thinking about transfers, just with my players here, and moving on."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 1, 2019

Zidane ought to be satisfied with his options. Bale proved his worth against the Yellow Submarine despite a summer filled with questions about his future and whether he has the faith of his manager:

Gareth Bale has now scored 104 goals for Real Madrid.

The same amount as Ronaldo Luís Nazário. pic.twitter.com/QoYOjPqhOC

— bet365 (@bet365) September 1, 2019

The first of Bale's two goals against Villarreal capped a move underpinned by the flair of Jovic. Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of €65 million, the Serbia international has the potential to become the focal point of a new-look Real attack:

▶️ Gareth Bale tap-in brings Real Madrid level with Villarreal.#VillarrealRealMadrid
📺: beIN SPORTS
💻📱: beIN SPORTS CONNECThttps://t.co/I3vpZWHrwp

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 1, 2019

Aside from Bale and Jovic, Zidane can also still rely on the power and technique of Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was Los Merengues' top scorer last season and has begun this campaign by finding the net twice in three matches.

With Benzema, Bale and Jovic up top, Real won't lack for firepower this season. All three will benefit from more chances once creative maestros Hazard, Isco, Marco Asensio and James Rodriguez are fully fit.

Zidane's team remains a work-in-progress, the way Real have been ever since attacking talisman Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018. While the rebuilding process is yielding indifferent results so far, there's enough talent around Casemiro for Real to credibly challenge for major trophies as the campaign progresses.

Gareth Bale scored twice and was sent off in stoppage time as Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica in La Liga on Sunday.

Bale hit back to answer goals from Gerard Moreno and Moi Gomez, but he also committed two fouls in stoppage time to earn a pair of yellow cards and a late dismissal.

The stalemate is Los Blancos' second in as many matches following last week's 1-1 draw at home to Real Valladolid. Even so, Bale's goals helped Real take a point despite being without injured stars Eden Hazard, James Rodriguez, Isco and Marco Asensio.

Manager Zinedine Zidane hasn't always appeared to be the forward's biggest fan, but Bale remains a marquee talent who can deliver when his club needs him:

📅 July 13th 2019:
Zinedine Zidane tells media he hopes Gareth Bale will leave Real Madrid soon.

📅 1st September 2019:
Bale scores twice for Real Madrid to rescue a 2-2 draw against Villarreal. ⚽️

✅ Bale has now scored as many goals for Real Madrid as Brazilian Ronaldo 👏 pic.twitter.com/7An6CBPUHV

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 1, 2019

With so many players missing through injury, Real needed to rely on the experience of skipper Sergio Ramos. Yet the 33-year-old centre-back was found wanting when he lost the ball just inside his own half and started a Villarreal break led by Karl Toko Ekambi.

The Cameroon international dragged a shot Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could only parry. His gaffe left Moreno with a simple finish from close range.

Staying strong between the posts has been a problem for former Chelsea stopper Courtois:

11 - Thibaut Courtois has conceded in each of his last 11 league games (15 goals in total), his longest run without a clean sheet (LaLiga + Premier League). Warning. pic.twitter.com/zaHg2gzobM

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 1, 2019

Villarreal were bossing possession while Real's best playmaker, Luka Modric, languished on the bench. The Yellow Submarine moved the ball quickly and neatly between the lines, effortlessly combining in the pockets of space Real's erratic team shape had created.

Typically, Villarreal's most enterprising play was being dictated by Santi Cazorla. The ex-Arsenal schemer was finding room with ease and releasing runners with deft touches and intelligent distribution.

34 years old but @19SCazorla is still bossing it in midfield 💪💯#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/P1RqV8Fh2p

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 1, 2019

For all of the hosts' endeavour with the ball, Real were still posing a significant threat on the break. Karim Benzema hit the post, while Lucas Vazquez struck the side netting.

Villarreal appeared destined to maintain the lead at the break, but Los Blancos finally put together a slick combination of passes in the final third.

The move involved a back-heel from Luka Jovic to release right-back Dani Carvajal in behind. He quickly picked out Bale for a tap-in.

It was a welcome goal for a player whose future has been in doubt all summer. Fortunately for Bale, scoring against Villarreal has always been a happy habit.

Gareth Bale has scored his first La Liga goal in 169 days.

He always loved facing Villarreal away. 😏 pic.twitter.com/Xd7PiigaJf

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 1, 2019

2019: Bale scores at Villarreal
2018: Bale scores at Villarreal
2017: Bale scores at Villarreal
(2013 Bale also scores at Villarreal on his debut).

— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) September 1, 2019

Real were supposed to be less reliant on Bale thanks to the summer arrivals of several quality attackers, including Jovic.

The striker who thrived for Eintracht Frankfurt last season has been steadily adapting to life in the Spanish top flight, but his contribution to Bale's goal proved the Serbia international has what it takes:

Luka Jovic has only been in this game in bursts.... but he just makes things happen 🔥 So smart

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) September 1, 2019

It was the visitors who exerted most of the pressure after the break, with Toni Kroos twice going close. However, Real couldn't find the finishing touch, largely because in-form Benzema looked strangely out of sorts whenever chances came his way and struggled to time his runs.

The Frenchman's profligacy looked like it would be punished when Gomez finished emphatically from close range with 16 minutes to go. 

Bale was still looking in the mood, though, and the influence of Modric helped him strike again. The latter had replaced Jovic on 68 minutes and finally found his passing range when he played in Bale with four minutes left.

A smart low shot yielded his brace after Bale had cut in from the flank and offered a timely reminder of his importance in Zidane's squad.

Remember when Real Madrid wanted to sell Gareth Bale 😳 pic.twitter.com/OvKY17k52O

— GOAL (@goal) September 1, 2019

Not even the late sending off should leave Real in any doubt about how much this team needs a player of Bale's obvious quality.

   

What's Next?

Real host Levante on Saturday, September 14, while Villarreal will be in Leganes on the same day.

Real Madrid's injury crisis continued on Wednesday with the news Isco is expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury.

The club announced the setback on their official website. Per AS, the expected recovery time is two to three weeks, meaning the midfielder will return after the international break. 

Los Blancos have been hit hard by the injury bug early this season. Per Transfermarkt.com, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo, James Rodriguez and Brahim Diaz are all currently sidelined.

Barcelona have also struggled with injuries, losing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to knocks. Sports writer Robbie Dunne believes it opens the door for Atletico Madrid to build an early lead in La Liga:

All these injuries giving Atlético Madrid a chance to build a potential 3 or 4 point lead to bring into October.

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) August 28, 2019

The 27-year-old Isco has featured in both of Real's La Liga matches so far, playing 15 minutes in the win over Celta Vigo and starting the 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid. He's not expected to be an automatic starter under manager Zinedine Zidane, but will likely be a regular part of the rotation.

Isco made 11 starts in La Liga last season, with the majority of his appearances coming off the bench. He played as a winger and attacking midfielder, and can also play in a deeper role when needed.

Lucas Vazquez replaced Isco against Valladolid, and in all likelihood, he'll start in place of the former Malaga man against Villarreal on Sunday. That will be Los Blancos' final match before the international break, and Zidane will hope Isco can return for their next game, on 14 September against Levante.

A former Colombia national team doctor has slammed Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, accusing him of a lack of focus and having a "bad head."

Per Marca, Hector Fabio Cruz went off on the 28-year-old, unfavourably comparing him to Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo:

"The boy isn't focused. Instead of working for the new season he went to fix his eyebrows and his hair while he should have been working. Big teams like Madrid expect professionalism, who will be prepared, but this boy has a bad head.

"A player who spends months away from the pitch and goes from club to club, how does he stay there? He'll stay at first, but if he prepared properly he wouldn't suffer any of this. I already predicted that it would go wrong because he doesn't work.

"Cristiano took a week of vacation. He went on a yacht with his family to Greece and then the following week he had 15 people preparing him for the season. He's the most professional guy I know. James left the World Cup injured, hired a private plane, went to the beach and relaxed. That can't be."

James played his first minutes for Los Blancos since returning from a two-year loan spell with Bayern Munich on Saturday, starting in the 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid.

While he played well, he only lasted 57 minutes. Two days later, Los Blancos announced he picked up an injury. As a result, he won't meet up with his national team-mates during the international break:

.@FCFSeleccionCol will have to make do without @FALCAO and @jamesdrodriguez for next month's friendlies against Brazil and Venezuela https://t.co/tS2snE1edE

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) August 28, 2019

It's yet another setback for James, who has been linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer, per Football Espana.

Manager Zinedine Zidane denied speculation of a rift between the two after the substitution against Valladolid, per the report. It was Zidane who sanctioned the loan deal with Bayern, after the Colombian dropped out of his favoured XI.

ESPN FC's Alexis Nunes and Stewart Robson discussed whether he and Gareth Bale will be given another chance to prove their worth to Zidane:

Real are dealing with a wave of injuries early in the season, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Rodrygo sidelined. That opened the door for Bale and James to impress and earn their spot in the team ahead of the transfer deadline on 2 September.

Both continue to be brought up in transfer rumours and were reportedly part of a mega-offer for Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, per L'Equipe (h/t sports writer Adriano Del Monte):

💣 Rejected! PSG turn down this incredible Real Madrid offer for Neymar, according to L’Équipe! 👇

• Gareth Bale
• James Rodríguez
• Keylor Navas
• €100m

Fair deal or is Neymar worth more? pic.twitter.com/TZjfOXxbHm

— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) August 21, 2019

James joined Real in a blockbuster move in 2014 after an impressive campaign with AS Monaco and a starring display at the World Cup. He had an excellent debut season, but regressed in the following years and slowly fell out of favour.

His two-year loan with Bayern was productive, but he never became an automatic starter for the Bavarians, who opted not to sign him on a permanent deal. James' future has been a question mark since.

According to La Repubblica and Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), Napoli were keen on the playmaker, but they signed winger Hirving Lozano from PSV Eindhoven on Friday for a reported fee of €40 million (£36 million) and may have concluded their business for the summer as a result.

Former Real Madrid player Predrag Mijatovic believes it is "impossible" for Eden Hazard to replicate the impact Cristiano Ronaldo had at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mijatovic, who played for Los Blancos from 1996 to 1999, is a fan of the Belgian but isn't convinced anyone can fill Ronaldo's boots.

Per Goal's Naim Beneddra, he said:

"Hazard is a very good player, for sure. He is one of the best players in Europe. But, in my opinion, we can't expect him to do what Cristiano Ronaldo did. In my opinion, it's impossible—there is no player who can play like Ronaldo.

"The pressure at Madrid is different to the pressure at Chelsea and you need some time to handle that."

Hazard joined Real from Chelsea this summer, a year on from Ronaldo's departure to Juventus.

The winger will don the same iconic shirt number as the Portuguese superstar:

Real Madrid's #️⃣7️⃣:
2019- Eden Hazard
2018-19 Mariano Diaz
2010-18 Cristiano Ronaldo
1994-2010 Raul pic.twitter.com/6eKr3CuQDA

— GOAL (@goal) August 9, 2019

Hazard is a world-class operator and a strong choice for Real with Ronaldo gone, but it's hard to disagree with Mijatovic's assessment.

Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 matches—an average of 50 per season over the course of his nine years in the Spanish capital—as well as laying on 131 assists. His efforts helped Real win La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League four times, among other honours.

Hazard's most prolific campaign came in 2011-12, when he netted 22 goals in all competitions with Lille. At Chelsea, he only scored more than 20 goals once, when he bagged 21 last season.

Although Ronaldo's performances soared to new heights when he moved to Real, he was only 24 at the time, not yet at the peak of his powers. What's more, he already had a high-scoring season under his belt at Manchester United, in which he had netted 42 goals, to build on.

Hazard is 28, so it's unlikely his game will develop significantly at this stage.

It would take an enormous improvement for him to reach Ronaldo-level numbers, but his output could increase now that he's surrounded by better players than he was at Stamford Bridge.

Like Ronaldo in his early days in Madrid, Hazard is also a player whose pace and flair in the final third will get fans off their seats.

Even if the Belgian can't have quite the same impact, he'll still bring a great deal of excitement and likely some silverware to his new club.

Mathias Pogba, brother of Paul Pogba, has suggested the Manchester United midfielder would benefit from a move to Real Madrid and working under manager Zinedine Zidane.

The older Pogba, who plays for Spanish side Manchego, told AS (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani) the Red Devils star is "very well" and remains a professional player at Old Trafford.

In regards to the future, though, he said:

"It depends on the clubs: that Manchester wants to sell and that Madrid wants to buy. This is business.

"Everyone knows that my brother could use Real Madrid and Zidane. Those who have to talk are Madrid and Manchester United.

"I don't know what to say...Zidane has always spoken well of my brother, it's an honour." 

Zidane has been asked about his French compatriot on several occasions since he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout in March, and he has always been complimentary:

"Real Madrid is the club that interest him a lot" 🗣

Could Paul Pogba leave Manchester United for LaLiga? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/5ReZeBL1GS

— GOAL (@goal) March 30, 2019

Per football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the coach suggested earlier in August that he would not be pursuing any more players this summer:

Zinedine Zidane: “Paul Pogba is a Manchester United player and we must respect this. I’m happy with my players”. 🛑 #MUFC #RealMadrid #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2019

Los Blancos have already brought in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao.

While they've been able to recoup some of the expenditure through the departures of Mateo Kovacic and Marcos Llorente, two of their most valuable assets—Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez—look set to stay at the club beyond the 2 September deadline.

That would leave little room in the budget for Pogba's arrival in the immediate future.

A 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers—in which the 26-year-old failed to convert a penalty—and a 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace have taken the shine off a bright start to the season for United.

They opened their campaign with a 4-0 win over Chelsea, with Pogba contributing two assists:

That @PaulPogba assist just gets better from every angle! 🤤

We hope you enjoy Ole's reaction at 01:22 as much as we do 😅#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gX2Bvqbmog

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2019

Football commentator Adam Summerton suggested the circumstances at Old Trafford are not set up for the World Cup winner to thrive:

Pogba’s price tag/image suggest ‘main-man’.
But he’s never been that - the unrealistic expectations have gone on for so long.
Next to class (Pirlo, Vidal, Kante) he flourishes, a superb accompaniment.
Lead/dominate etc around lesser players? Not his thing #MUFC

— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) August 19, 2019

He'd be surrounded by more quality at Madrid, so a move there could help him reach new heights after an inconsistent second spell with United.

Pogba will have just one year remaining on his contract with the Red Devils at the end of the season, so the Manchester outfit will have a decision to make if Real pursue him then.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has ruled out any chance of a summer exit for goalkeeper Keylor Navas and said he "can't contemplate" his reserve stopper leaving the club. 

Thibaut Courtois looks set to head into the 2019-20 season as Zidane's first-choice goalkeeper, leading to speculation Navas will seek starting opportunities elsewhere.

However, Real's manager spoke to reporters on Friday and dismissed the notion of Navas leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, despite having entered the last year of his contract:

“I do not envisage this squad without him, he's always been a vital player to us and will continue to be, I can't contemplate him leaving. He hasn't told me he wants to leave, he is here and he wants to play, he's always been a professional. We'll have a lot of games this season and we're going to count on him.”

Jose Felix Diaz of Marca recently wrote Navas, 32, has informed Real of his desire to leave, seemingly not content with another season playing second fiddle to Courtois, 27. Paris Saint-Germain are said to be one suitor interested in signing him.

The Costa Rica No. 1 joined Real from Levante in 2014 and rose to prominence as the club won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles under Zidane between 2016 and 2018.

However, he played just 21 times in all competitions last season. Football writer Kristan Heneage suggested signing Courtois from Chelsea in August 2018 wasn't money wisely spent by Real:

Keylor Navas asks to leave Real Madrid. I can't blame him, the signing of Thibaut Courtois never felt like an upgrade to me. https://t.co/ZkegiEjkCi

— Kris Heneage (@KHeneage) August 21, 2019

September 2 is the transfer deadline for most of Europe's top leagues, and Navas has a slim chance of getting the departure he seeks before then.

Los Blancos have already loaned Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, 20, to Real Valladolid, while Zidane's 21-year-old son, Luca, will spend the 2019-20 season at Racing Santander.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently appeared on BBC 5 Live Sport, where he painted a picture of Navas potentially playing a role in the deal that sees Neymar leave PSG for Madrid:

Navas + James + Jovic = Neymar

⚽️ @GuillemBalague tells @Steve_Crossman that Real Madrid could offer PSG a three-man swap to secure Neymar.

Would that include money too? 💵💰🤑

The latest Euro Leagues podcast 👇https://t.co/h51QrkuhkZ pic.twitter.com/nSNfE9noEi

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) August 23, 2019

It's a growing trend for clubs to house two keepers of similarly high quality, though there's an understanding in football that one figure tends to dominate the starting spot.

Given his age, it's understandable Navas doesn't want to return to the bench. That's particularly the case given he's still considered by many to be one of the world's best goalkeepers, per The Spanish Football Podcast during pre-season:

Some Real Madrid thoughts (yes it’s just a friendly):

- Navas is better than Courtois
- Casemiro is RM’s most important player. And he has no substitute.
- Madrid’s summer renovation hasn’t reached the defence. Or midfield.
- Let’s just say Hazard doesn’t look his sharpest...

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) July 30, 2019

Navas could leave the club for free next summer should he remain and fail to agree an extension, though it seems Zidane is willing to run that risk in order to secure his talents for this term.

Wales boss Ryan Giggs said he is "really pleased" that Gareth Bale is set to stay at Real Madrid this season.

Bale almost joined Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning earlier in the summer after Real boss Zinedine Zidane said it would be best for him to leave the club, only for the Spanish club to pull out of the deal. 

Per Goal's Chris Burton, Giggs said:

"I kept in touch with him, not every day but just to see if he was all right. It's obviously positive at the moment.

"He played at the weekend and did really well, and it looks like he's staying now. I've always said he's at a fantastic club but probably a couple of weeks ago we wouldn't have seen this situation.

"It was a strange situation but hopefully now it's sorted out, Gareth stays and he plays games."

Having looked as if he had little future at the Santiago Bernabeu, he started Real's 3-1 win over Celta Vigo last Saturday and capped an impressive performance with an assist for Karim Benzema.

Managing Madrid's Kiyan Sobhani and football journalist Ben Hayward believe he could still be an important player for Los Blancos:

Bale looked like he had point to prove. Did well and if he's there, you use him. He's too good to be discarded. On this form he will be an asset, especially with Hazard out/yet to settle, Asensio sidelined and Vinícius still raw... https://t.co/GJb3jvLmrf

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) August 18, 2019

After the match, Zidane gave a strong indication that Bale will remain at the club beyond the September 2 transfer deadline, per Tom Allnutt of the Agence France-Presse:

Zidane says in his post-match presser he thinks Bale will stay.

"We have spoken about it 2 or 3 times before, that he is going stay, all the players we have now we are thinking will be here for the season... He and all the players are focused on staying here and playing."

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) August 17, 2019

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure last year, Bale had the opportunity to lay down a marker in the Spanish capital.

The Welshman returned 14 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances in what was a difficult season for the team, who finished third in La Liga and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the last 16.

It was the first season since the 2014-15 campaign that he managed to play more than 40 games, as he's been beset by injury issues in recent years.

As sports writer Andy West noted, his fitness struggles have affected his value:

It's tough to criticise players for being injured, but the hard truth is that being fit and available to play is a fundamental part of the job. Bale and Dembele are worth less (nb not worthless) because they cannot be relied upon to play every week.

— Andy West (@andywest01) August 19, 2019

There is little doubt that he is a world-class player when on form, though.

Alone he may not be able to fill Ronaldo's considerable shoes, but if he can get back to that level and play a similar or greater number of games than last season, he can still be an enormous asset to Los Blancos.

Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic has played down rumours he could leave Los Blancos on loan before the close of the transfer window and said manager Zinedine Zidane believes in him.

The 21-year-old striker told Novosti (h/t Marca) that he is used to speculation over his future and is learning a lot under his new boss at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Stories like that [of me moving on loan] make me laugh, as the media will always engage in such stories. I have been used to all kinds of rumours since the beginning of my professional career. I have accepted the fact that they can always be there, and time will tell which ones are true. 

"[Zidane] believes in me and his opinion hasn't changed during the time that we've been working together. I am learning from him day by day and I am very satisfied because he is, as a player and coach, one of the best in world football."

Jovic joined Real Madrid in June from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of €65 million plus add-ons, according to the Guardian.

The striker arrived after an eye-catching season in front of goal in Germany's top flight. Opta highlighted his goalscoring record for Adi Hutter's side:

30 - Luka Jovic 🇷🇸 has scored 30% of Eintracht Frankfurt's goals in Bundesliga this season (17/57), highest ratio among German top-flight players in 2018/19. Revelation. @Eintracht pic.twitter.com/VLmni4uMvu

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) April 17, 2019

The Serbia international also shone in the UEFA Europa League, helping Eintracht Frankfurt make it all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament:

10 - Luka Jovic has scored 10 goals in the Europa League this season; no player has netted more (level with Olivier Giroud). Clinical. pic.twitter.com/74ibEdWcgw

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 9, 2019

Yet he has already been linked with a temporary move away from Real Madrid despite his short time at the club.

According to Marca (h/t Football Espana), newspapers in Serbia have suggested Zidane has not been impressed by Jovic in pre-season and could sanction a loan move.

Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) have reported that AC Milan could try to seal a late move for either Jovic or team-mate Mariano Diaz. The transfer window remains open around Europe until September 2.

Sending Jovic straight out on loan would be a curious move given the form he showed last season and the investment Real Madrid made to bring him in.

The striker's comments suggest he will stay at the club for the remainder of the season and try to force his way into Zidane's starting XI.

Marcelo has said Real Madrid don't need any more signings and "can win everything" in the 2019-20 season. 

The Madrid giants spent big at the start of the transfer window, shelling out over £270 million on Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo.

They still have until September 2 to add to their squad, and the likes of Paul Pogba, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Neymar continue to be linked with moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, when asked if Real need more additions to succeed in 2019-20, Marcelo said, per Bild (h/t Marca):

"No, we have a good team. It'll be difficult, but if we each focus on our tasks then we can win everything. I have been taught to compete for all titles ever since I arrived at Real Madrid. It won't be any different this year and we'll fight for the league, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey."

Real endured a poor campaign by their high standards in 2018-19.

They came a distant third to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga and fell short in both the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Managers Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari both paid for Real's poor form with their jobs, and in March Zinedine Zidane was reappointed just 10 months after leaving the Spanish giants.

Zidane's record during his first spell in charge at Real was remarkable:

Zinedine Zidane won a trophy every 97.6 days on average whilst in charge of Real Madrid.

He won 9 of the 13 trophies available to him. 😳 pic.twitter.com/IAs73aAWqG

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 31, 2018

Crucially, though, he had Cristiano Ronaldo to call on during that time.

The Portuguese superstar's absence was keenly felt last term following his summer move to Juventus as Real managed to score just 63 goals in the league, their worst return since the 1999-00 season.

Much of their business this summer has been aimed at filling the hole left by Ronaldo.

And Los Blancos made an ideal start to the new La Liga campaign on Saturday as they won 3-1 on a tricky away trip to Celta Vigo.