Rafa Benítez is working his way through this new Real Madrid side position by position. Last week we saw him batter away at his defence, day in day out, about exactly what he wants from them on the pitch. And now it’s the turn of the midfielders. Today the midfield (with the exception of Lucas Silva) stayed behind after the session to talk to the coach. Kroos, Modric, Illarra, Casemiro and Marcos Llorente took part in what essentially a 20 minute monologue of Rafa’s tactical musings.

Benítez went over both attacking and defensive tactics. His main focus was where pressure should start to be applied; how one of the midfield pivots should move up to go after the ball, while the other holds position and covers his back in case the opposition gets round him. Rafa doesn’t want a repeat of situations seen last season when Kroos was overwhelmed in the midfield. The backbone is the key for the team to stay united is Benítez’ message and it’s one he keeps repeating ad infinitum. And the midfielders won’t be the last to attend Rafa’s masterclass – he’s got the whole forward line to get through next.