Isco, Modric, Kroos, Casemiro: Real Madrid's paradigm shift
Real Madrid played Manchester United off the park in Tuesday's UEFA Super Cup, just as they did to Juventus in the Champions League final two months ago.
Now, Real aren't only - as proponents of the club's 'DNA' like to champion - a team that's all about winning; now, they dominate, overwhelm - and entertain.
It's no longer just about cutting edge, counter-attacks and Sergio Ramos heading in a last-gasp corner. They go out and play lovely stuff, and there's no-one to touch them.
Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira et al can run as much as they like; they can't get a sniff of it.
Casemiro, Modric, Isco, Kroos: it's all about Real Madrid's midfield
The machine starts with Casemiro in position to win it back. Then there's Luka Modric to bring order, Isco to create and Toni Kroos getting forward into areas.
And in the next move, those roles can be switched up, with the German regaining the ball, Modric providing the imagination and 'Case' there in a shooting position.
Real might then, for example, bring on the fireworks and searing pace offered by Marco Asensio. Is there any other squad in the world with such strength in depth?
Whether there is or not, there certainly isn't any other side that functions as well as this Real Madrid, whose players know instinctively where to move, press as a unit, and link up with aplomb to attack and unpick the opposition.
Yes, the name of the beautiful game is winning; but it's also about dominating your opponent and playing the better football. And that's only achieved with good midfielders.
Does anyone want to see a return to the scattergun stuff of the BBC?