Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez admits he's close to Toni Kroos.

Benitez is happy to count on the midfielder this season.

He explained: “I must have had 20 private conversations with him already. I can speak with him in English and he likes that because he can understand all the nuances of what I'm saying.

"We both have clear ideas and are in agreement about everything. I want to get the best out of this excellent group of players we have. There is more competitiveness now and that can only be good news for the team."