Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has branded Sergio Ramos "the best defender in the world".
The Spanish centre-back was part of a Madrid defence that boasted an incredible defensive record in the early stages of 2014, while he also scored key goals in the latter stages of the campaign.
Ancelotti, who led Madrid to a Copa del Rey and Champions League double last season, has also compared Ramos to former AC Milan great Paolo Maldini.
"Ramos was another player after Christmas," Ancelotti told Madrid's official television channel.
"He has the personality and quality of Maldini, inside and outside. Ramos is the best defender in the world.
"Maldini started to play in the centre at 34. Ramos was before that. I put him at right-back in Turin and he was not happy."
Ramos is currently on international duty ahead of the World Cup.
