Dani Carvajal tops Zidane's most used list at Real Madrid

And it’s the full back from Leganés who is getting the most pitch time for Real Madrid this season, early as it is, being part of every one of the 720 minutes played across the eight official matches so far. While the rest of the dressing room has already felt Zidane’s hand of rotation – as well as a few enforced absences for misdemeanors – the dependable right back Carvajal has not yet given up his position to those behind him in the pecking order. With the departure of Danilo to Manchester City, the highly rated Achraf Hakimi was promoted to the senior squad as his natural substitute. Nacho, too, has played as the right-most defender of a four and offers a safe pair of feet whenever the French coach decides it is required.

Carvajal started this campaign in his usual positive style contributing to the first title of the season with the assist for Casemiro to open the scoring in the European Super Cup in Skopje against Manchester United. He’ll be hoping to match or exceed the 12 assists of last year.

Speaking to the press on Monday about his renewal Carvajal confirmed he has no desire to slow down:

"I couldn’t be happier, it's another important day to remember in my life after extending my contract with the club that means the world to me.

"My goal is to win as many titles as possible. Going down in history of the club isn’t easy. This generation is doing that and all of madridismo is proud of us. I would like that the day that I leave, everyone knows that I have given everything for this club and that they are proud".