Helguera in jubilant form

Real star Ivan Helguera is experiencing one of the best periods in his career and is looking forward to the season after signing a new contract.

Just over a month ago, the Cantabrian's position in the side looked in serious danger with Real pushing to sign Juventus ace Zinedine Zidane.

But the Frenchman's arrival has not affected Helguera's status in the line-up and that was before he received the boost he needed as the club offered him the five-year deal.

The 26-year-old was impressive for the Blancos last season but now he feels 'even more important' in the star-studded Real side.

Helguera is expected to keep his place acting as double pivot alongside Claude Makelele, but if the recent training sessions are anything to go by, his role will be more defensive from next season.

In the past Helguera would often go upfield to support Real's attack, but now coach Vicente Del Bosque is planning to tighten up the side by keeping Makelele and Helguera back allowing Zidane to help out the front line.

The formula seems to be producing results already and Helguera explained: "If we function well as a unit then they'll be no-one to stop us - there is no other club in the world with a squad like ours."

"Zidane is pure quality, he moves about all over the place and when he has the ball at his feet you have the sensation that something special is about to happen."