Real Madrid Basque coach highlights Brazilian's balancing act

Julen Lopetegui may not be the Real Madrid coach, but he could just as well be, having worked with virtually half of the squad currently under Zinedine Zidane's watch. What's more, the idea of him one day managing 'Los Blancos' is not so hare-brained, as the Bernabéu suits rate him highly. So highly, in fact, that he was on their shortlist last summer before Rafa Benítez got the job.

"I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it's nice to be on the radar of a big club like Real Madrid. You never know what's going to happen, but they have had and will always have great coaches", noted the ex-Porto and Spain under-21s boss, who came up through the Real Madrid academy as a player and was at Castilla earlier in his coaching career.

One of the 'Merengues' players the former goalkeeper is a big fan of is Casemiro, whom he helped polish his skills at Porto before the midfielder returned to the Spanish capital.

Lopetegui feels it is no coincidence that the Brazilian immediately established himself as an instrumental part of Benítez's plans and has won over Zidane after a spell out of favour. The Frenchman is now convinced that the team's chances of claiming Champions League glory hinge on Casemiro anchoring the midfield so that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, plus the BBC ahead of them, can work their magic.

"He's got a clear idea of what he brings to the table and his mission on the pitch. He was decisive for us at Porto", explained Lopetegui, before highlighting the Brazil international's balancing act: "He's always on hand to provide balance. For an attack-minded team like we were and Real Madrid are, that makes him a key figure. He's always well positioned, constantly covering and offering an outlet. What's more, his physical prowess means he wins every 50-50, and he makes intelligent use of the ball".