Eder

Times critic Richard Eder commended Vargas Llosa’s “clear eye” and sense of irony.

Defensively it has been carnage, with serious cruciate ligament injuries to major players such as Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, long-term problems with David Alaba and a lengthy absence for Antonio Rudiger.

This year, Contreras’ fantastic soccer coach Eder Puga Garcia resigned after guiding the team to a City title last season.

Injuries, particularly in defence to the likes of Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, did not help matters at the start.

Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga hobbled off at Anfield with a suspected hamstring problem and joins full-back Dani Carvajal, forwards Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and defenders David Alaba and Eder Militao on Real's list of wounded.