Liverpool would not change very much right now. Flying high in the league and in numerous cup competitions, its only complaint might be a slight off-the-field transfer distraction — and now Real Madrid might be ensuring that Arsenal suffers the same handicap.

Real Madrid has had no trouble fielding an effective midfield for many years now, but with Toni Kroos having retired and Luka Modric now 39 years old, there is a need to look to the future. Players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have their best years ahead of them,