Real Madrid’s head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has named Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior among his five untouchable players.
The manager said he would like the duo to play every game.
The Spaniard took over the position at the Santiago Bernabeu from his fellow countryman Xabi Alonso last month.
After beginning his time at the Bernabeu with a 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey against Albacete in the Round of 16, the former right-back led the team to several La Liga victories, with a 6-1 win against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League at home in between.
However, his winning streak ended with a 4-2 loss at Benfica, which also meant Los Blancos did not get automatic Round of 16 qualification and finished in ninth place.
Mbappe and Vinicius have played in all of the last four games that Arbeloa has been in charge of.
The Spaniard also has three other important players: midfielders Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Arbeloa told reporters, “The more minutes they can be available to the team for me, the better,” via France24 courtesy of GOAL.
“These are players who can change the game suddenly at any time. Some people who aren’t Madrid fans might not want them playing, but I think Madrid supporters want their top players to be there, ready to play every time.
“I believe the five players mentioned are in the top ten globally, and I completely trust them. It’s not just my trust in them – their play on the field is what’s getting them to compete in the game.”
Arbeloa beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at home in La Liga on Sunday.
They are in second place, one point behind the leaders, Barcelona.