Former Real Madrid GM Jorge Valdano has taken aim at Dani Ceballos.

Valdano says Real must play Casemiro ahead of the young midfielder.

"Madrid made a bet for the game in San Mamés (against Athletic Bilbao) but when Casemiro is not playing Madrid loses stability," he told El Transistor.

"Casemiro is the screw Madrid needs to stabilise in the middle.

"Ceballos is not a phenomenon on Tuesday and a disaster on Saturday, was somewhat below his level in San Mamés, but also were (Luka) Modric and (Gareth) Bale."