Rafael Benitez: 'Jese Rodriguez has to work hard'

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has said that Jese Rodriguez must 'work hard' in order to fully establish himself in the Spanish side's starting XI.

The 22-year-old started the first league game of the new season at centre-forward, but has not been selected since Karim Benzema returned to fitness.

Jese took to social media on Monday to calm claims that he is becoming increasingly frustrated with his lack of first-team action, but Benitez has challenged the attacker to prove his worth.

"There are players that are one step in front, and others that have done it better. Jese has talent and has to work," Benitez told reporters.

Jese, who has been with Los Blancos since 2007, burst onto the scene in the 2013-14 season, when he scored eight times in 31 games.