Vazquez, Asensio important’ to Madrid, insists Zidane

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has insisted that Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio are ‘important’ members of his first-team squad.

The pair, handed starts with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale given time to rest, shone as Los Blancos beat Leganes 3-1 to move up to third in La Liga on Wednesday night.

Spanish winger Vasquez drew his team level in the 11th minute with a smart finish while compatriot Asensio was influential at both ends of the pitch in a tireless display.

Their performances have heightened the perception that they deserve a greater standing in a team that has performed below expectations so far this term.

“I think they have always been important for me, I’m glad for Lucas because he deserves it,’ Zidane said in his post-match press conference.

“He fought before the game. He was not well, he played a great game like Asensio, everybody in general, and Mateo Kovacic. He has played a lot lately and he has done great.

“We want to continue. We have had complicated moments and we have to take advantage to continue.

“There are a group of 25 players here, they know it’s difficult. What matters is that they are very good and they show that when they have to play.”

The Frenchman also explained why Wales international Bale was only used from the bench at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

“I’m happy with him (Bale), we have to go little by little with him,’ Zidane continued. ’What we want is for him to hit his best and we’re getting there.

“We’ll look at the matches that are coming up next and at how we’re going to manage them. We are good and in good form and I am counting on all my players.”