It was a strange appointment to see Jose Mourinho return to Real Madrid. His recent jobs at the likes of Fenerbahce and Benfica have shown a manager past his best. However, such is Los Blancos' desperation to end their two-season trophy drought that they have got Mourinho back in the building. This has led to a mixed start to the season, with natural winners and losers.
3 Real Madrid winners heading into the international break
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Often when you do not play, your pedigree as a player gets better. Trent Alexander-Arnold was not part of the England squad for the World Cup. The Three Lions crashed out in the semi-finals, and many supporters missed him.
This season, Denzel Dumfries has arrived from Inter Milan, which has limited Alexander-Arnold's game time. Due to the English player's attacking instincts, he is not suited to Mourinho's defensive style of play.
Alexander-Arnold has played well when called upon, getting an assist against Malaga, and performing well in midfield against Inter. He has also been called up by Thomas Tuchel for the England squad.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe's form has papered over the cracks of a disjointed squad. The Frenchman has eight goals in eight games so far this campaign. He enters the international break as the top goalscorer in World Cup history after his exploits over the summer.
Arda Güler
Güler has been one of Real Madrid's most creative players this season, with one goal and three assists in seven La Liga games so far. He will be joining up with Turkey, where he is the main man and his nation's brightest hope.
3 losers heading into the international break
Jose Mourinho
Mourinho is under huge pressure to end Real Madrid's trophy drought. The campaign has not started well, with defeats to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid already in La Liga. The blame will always go to the manager in these situations.
Vinícius Júnior
Vinícius' return has been poor, with just one goal so far this campaign. He has missed multiple chances and admitted to this publicly. The Brazilian goes into international duty short of confidence.
Dean Huijsen
Huijsen's form has been poor this season. He was left on the bench against Rayo Vallecano after the defeat to Real Betis. The centre-back was then sent off in the loss in the Madrid derby. However, he has still been selected for Spain's squad for their Nations League fixtures.
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