Xabi Alonso has heaped praise on Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Alonso insists the Portugal international remains a vital component of the Madrid line-up.

"He's a very important player for the team," said Alonso during an interview with Basque broadcaster ETB where he was also asked about his own personal relationship with Ronaldo.

The Spain midfielder said: "There is appreciation and professional respect between him and me. Clearly not everyone in the changing room are friends of mine and away from the changing room there is almost no relationship between us, but in here we get on well. Cristiano is no diva with us."