Lopetegui revives Ceballos' spirit Real Madrid New coach wants to give him an important role

Dani Ceballos is one of those who has the most to gain with the change of coach as Julen Lopetegui replaces Zinedine Zidane.

Last season the former Real Betis player played just 899 minutes across 22 games, a back-up role which he was not expecting when he joined the club, rejecting Barcelona in the process.

Now, the 21-year-old is set to benefit as Lopetegui trusts him and is prepared to give him an important role in midfield as he did with Spain-Under 21s.

With Luka Modric now 32 years old and Mateo Kovacic keen to leave, as he told MARCA, it gives the youngster a new chance.

Even without looking beyond the summer, Ceballos has the chance to be important and could start in the UEFA Super Cup with Modric, Kovacic and Casemiro all only having had a few days of training when the game comes around.

Lopetegui has never hid his admiration for the midfielder and the fixture could be a good way to show his trust, as he has conveyed in private conversations.

He believes that Ceballos' talent is one that deserves a greater role, particularly having joined from Betis as a 20-year-old when he was leading the team.

Real Madrid are not considering the signing of any midfielder, even if Kovacic departs, because they believe in Ceballos.