Rafa Benitez explains new signing Mateo Kovacic's value to Real Madrid

Benitez was speaking to reporters after Madrid beat Galatasaray in the Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu, the match played hours after Kovacic’s move from Inter was confirmed.

“He’s a quality player. The team suffered last year when Luka Modric was injured,” Benitez said, according to AS. “He’s not a typical defensive midfielder. He offers quality. He goes forward, he’s dynamic, uses the ball well. He’s not frightened by responsibilities and that makes him a great player for Madrid."

On the subject of further additions, Benitez added: “I work with what I’ve got and for other issues, talk to Jose Angel Sanchez and the president.

“I’m very happy with my forwards and if we score goals against Sporting, there’ll be no debate. I think we have a lot of quality and we’ll see how the results are, and we don’t have to answer this question until after August 31."