Luka Jovic presents a dilemma for Real Madrid amid Man United interest

Vinicius Jr replaced Luka Jovic in the second half against Real Valladolid and went on to score the only goal of the game seven minutes later.

Those not paying close attention may easily have made the assumption that last season’s narrative was being extended with the Serbian striker still struggling to find his feet at Real Madrid.

However, despite Vinicius’ rather scrappy winner in the 1-0 result at the Alfredo Di Stefano, Jovic had delivered the more impressive showing and could count himself unfortunate not to get on the score sheet.

He hit the side-netting on the half-volley in the first half and forced a fine save from Roberto Jimenez with a header in the second.

Curiously, it was the second consecutive game in which Zinedine Zidane started both Karim Benzema and Jovic up front in a 4-3-1-2 formation, following the 3-2 win over Real Betis. The duo has never started successive games before.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt star has been starved of playing time at Los Blancos but with a few minutes under his belt, is already showing signs of improvement. His sharpness and link-up play was noticeably better than against Betis and he even managed to look more lively than Benzema.

Fitness issues may have forced Zidane to start Jovic but it’s plausible that he simply liked what he saw in training. Either way, back-to-back starts for the striker amid interest from Manchester United is intriguing.

The Red Devils have been driven to desperation in their bid to reinforce their squad before the transfer window shuts on October 5 and a loan move for Jovic has been speculated. However, recent developments suggest United are closing in on Edinson Cavani instead. Meanwhile, Inter have also expressed interest in the 22-year-old.

Jovic’s off the ball movement against Valladolid was evidence of an elite striker finding his groove again and Madrid are understandably keen to keep him in the Spanish capital rather than rely on Mariano Diaz as the only recognised number nine behind Benzema following Borja Mayoral’s move to Roma.

Club finances would certainly welcome the prospect of taking his wages off the books for a season while a loan spell could be just what the doctor ordered for the player as well. However, the lack of cover for Benzema would make Jovic’s departure a risky move.

Consistent playing time is likely the ideal tonic to revive Jovic’s career and while Benzema remains the main man in Madrid’s attack, altering that dynamic could be detrimental to the team. In a front two with the Serb, Madrid’s top scorer last season seemed a little lost during spells against Valladolid.

That means Zidane may be faced with a balancing act when it comes to managing the two strikers, especially when Eden Hazard is back to full fitness and ready to start every game. Whether or not Jovic starts against Levante on Sunday and his subsequent performance would lend more clarity to the situation.

A talent like Jovic is certainly a good problem to have and perhaps one that, for now, is best managed from a distance. Unfortunately, Madrid don’t have that luxury and must find a place for him now.