Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale defended Kylian Mbappé after the forward disappointed in the club's Champions League defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, during which he missed a crucial penalty.

It is only late November, no trophies are handed out at this time of year, but there is little doubt that Liverpool are the best team in Europe right now.

Sitting top of the Premier League after 12 games and the Champions League group after five games — unbeaten against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid — there is justified confidence that Arne Slot’s side look the real deal.