Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-2 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, and Jude Bellingham helped Los Blancos clinch an important comeback win, but there were several other players who were vital to the win – Dani Ceballos being one of them.
Now, MARCA reports that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is delighted with Ceballos and the turnaround in his situation, going from being linked with an exit to becoming a key player.
The midfielder is enjoying his best days at Real Madrid after a long and demanding journey, with the manager extremely happy with how he has transformed himself.
Ceballos provides everything that Ancelotti asks from a midfielder: distribution, game control, work rate and recovery, while being capable of producing moments of magic like he did to set Mbappe up for the equaliser vs Man City.
As per the report, Ceballos is relishing his best form at Real Madrid after undergoing a transformation that began last summer with a pre-season in Sierra Nevada during his holidays.
He entrusted himself to Bernardo Requena, the same fitness coach who works with Sergio Ramos, to work on his physical preparation. The results are evident: no muscle injuries throughout the entire season and exceptional performances in every match.
At that time, Ceballos’ future at the club was not guaranteed. Ancelotti saw him as a squad player, but Ceballos was determined to carve out a more prominent role.
Along with physical evolution, Ceballos also worked on altering his style of play without losing his essence to convince Ancelotti. More focus on passing and less on dribbling, adapting to the team’s needs after Toni Kroos’ departure – the Spaniard grasped this perfectly.
Even though minutes were not forthcoming earlier in the season due to competition and an unfortunate ankle injury, Ceballos stayed patient and did not throw in the towel.
Aware that his opportunity would eventually come, the midfielder player continued with the physical plan designed by Requena for the entire season and is now reaping the rewards.