Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has insisted that he is happy with his rotational role at Bernabeu due to the "quality in the squad".
The Germany international moved to Los Blancos on a free transfer over the summer, running down his contract at Chelsea before penning a deal with Carlo Ancelotti's side until June 2026.
The 29-year-old has made 15 appearances this season, scoring twice, but he has only started six times in La Liga and just twice in the Champions League.
Eder Militao and David Alaba remains Ancelotti's preferred partnership in the middle of the defence, with Rudiger rotating into the side in the opening months of the 2022-23 campaign.
Despite being a key player at Chelsea before his departure, the defender has said that he has no problems with his different role in the Spanish capital.
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"I am satisfied with my performances so far. I'm in good form and I know I don't have to play every match because we have so much quality in the squad," Rudiger told reporters.
"I'm happy with how it's going. The results are good and we've done well to already take 10 points this Champions League season."
Rudiger could be in the starting side against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and the German has warned his team of the threat that could be posed by former Chelsea teammate Timo Werner.
"They're a good team and have many young and pacey players, as well as a real star in Timo Werner, who I know really well," said the centre-back.
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Rudiger was also asked about the future of Toni Kroos during Monday's press conference, having played alongside the midfielder at international level.
Kroos's current deal at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, and it is unclear whether the 32-year-old will be signing an extension.
Rudiger has called the four-time Champions League winner "a legend of Real Madrid", but he did not offer any indication of what would happen in terms of a potential new deal.
"For me, he is a legend of Real Madrid and he is respected at the club. I don't know much about his situation. I know he is enjoying his football, but it'll depend on him if he stays or not," said the defender.
"With Germany, I played with him a few games and he makes a huge difference. We'll miss him at the World Cup."
Real Madrid, who are already through to the knockout round of the Champions League, have another five games before the campaign breaks for the World Cup, taking on Leipzig, Girona, Celtic, Rayo Vallecano and Cadiz.
Matt Law
