GOAL

Real Madrid defender Nacho feels his team-mates Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane are arguably the best defenders in the world and has conceded that he faces a tough task to break into the first team as a result.

The Madrid centre-back has been struggling to get regular game time since breaking into the first team, but feels the stiff competition is a valid excuse

The 25-year-old came through the ranks of the Madrid academy and made his official first-team debut in 2010-11, but has so far been unable to become a starter at the Santiago Bernabeu side.

Nacho feels there is no shame in a substitute role, though, as his rivals are among the best in the world in their position.

"I've been working hard to earn my place on the team ever since the new coach arrived," Nacho told the official Madrid website.

"I'm no longer like the academy player I was back when I broke into the first team, now I want to fight for more and I'm trying my hardest to earn the trust of the manager.

"I've known from the very beginning the competition I was up against. Ramos, Pep and Varane could well be the three best centre backs in the world.

"They help me to improve a little bit each day. I'm delighted to be fighting with them for a place."