Dani Ceballos has admitted that he is lacking in confidence after being repeatedly overlooked by Zinedine Zidane last season, but insists that he has no issue with the former Real Madrid manager.
The Spain Under-21s international found himself on the fringes during his maiden campaign at the Bernabeu, starting just four La Liga and European matches.
Ceballos is expected to be afforded more opportunities under Zidane's successor Julen Lopetegui, having started Sunday's opening league fixture against Getafe, but the midfielder has nothing bad to say about his ex-boss.
"I have no complaints about Zidane, he made me more mature," he told reporters. "It was difficult after a whole year of hardly playing to gain confidence. I have this chance based on my hard work. I'm very happy and I couldn't be prouder."
Ceballos, who joined Madrid from Real Betis in a £15m deal last year, played 71 minutes of the 2-1 win over Getafe.