3 Real Madrid players who must step up after Mbappe’s failed transfer
3) Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic faces very different problems to the ones faced by Vinicius Junior and Eden Hazard. The Serbian is a striker and at the moment, he’s the number two behind Karim Benzema whenever required. That may suit him now but it won’t for too long if Mbappe arrives.
In addition to playing on the wings, Mbappe is a crazy finisher and can do his business upfront at any moment. With Benzema recently extending his contract until 2023, that means that he will probably continue to be the first choice attacker next season. Where would that leave Jovic?
The Serbian striker will need to step up after a disappointing spell so far at the club which saw him also return to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan under Zidane. Now that he’s back, he’ll need to produce the goods and show Ancelotti that he’s someone that can be counted on. If not, then we will see Mbappe up front whenever Benzema is rested and that will make Jovic the third choice striker if he stays.
To add to the misery, Mariano Diaz is still in the squad and even though at the moment, it’s difficult to see him get minutes this season, things change very quickly in football and we saw a glimpse of that when he was briefly the second option after his goal in El Clasico.
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If Jovic doesn’t step up this season, minutes for him next year will be even more limited than they are now and unlike someone like Vinicius, Real Madrid would be willing to sell him with the arrival of Mbappe unless he gives them a reason not to. At the moment, he’s not doing that.