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Rafael Benitez praises Mateo Kovacic, Casemiro

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez hints that Mateo Kovacic and Casemiro are both key parts of his plans this season.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has hinted that the midfield area of his team is currently in good shape after discussing Mateo Kovacic and Casemiro's performances this term.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are the two senior central midfielders in the Real Madrid squad, but Kovacic, 21, joined from Inter Milan in the summer and Casemiro returned from a loan at Porto.

Both Kovacic and Casemiro have played their part this season and Benitez has had his say on the pair.

"Mateo Kovacic? I knew enough about him. I wanted to sign him for Napoli. He's a player with a great future," Benitez told COPE.

"We brought Casemiro back because we needed that kind of player. He's someone who listens."

Casemiro started Sunday's Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid in a defensive position behind Modric and Kroos.

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Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scores Real's opening goal during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon Stadium on October 4, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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