Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has this week moved to make clear his appreciation for the talents of a leading member of his attacking ranks.

The Blancos star to have turned the head of his new manager? Kylian Mbappé.

Mourinho and Mbappé are of course just weeks into their new journey alongside one another in Spain’s capital. After the latter was afforded an extended summer vacation owing to his exploits with France at the World Cup, the 27-year-old recently reported to Valdebebas to begin pre-season training.

A number of clips have come to the fore online in the time since, showcasing Mbappé in nothing short of spectacular form in front of goal.

And as alluded to above, if the latest comments on the part of José Mourinho are anything to go by, then these exploits have evidently not gone at all unappreciated…

Drawn on the name of his goalscorer extraordinaire during an interview with El Chiringuito TV (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) this week, tactician Mourinho went on to admit:

“His level is just stratospheric. He’s really incredible! He makes me laugh in training because he’s too good.

“After the World Cup, Mbappé could have arrived on August 14th, but he came on the 12th because he wanted to be ready to play against Schalke. I like that. He trains hard, with the same commitment and desire I want to see.”