Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has claimed that Rafael Benitez will get the best out of his players at Real Madrid.

Benitez was appointed as the new manager of Los Blancos at the start of June, after spending two years at Napoli.

The Spaniard previously had a spell as interim manager of Chelsea during the 2012-13 season, where he guided them to success in the Europa League and a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Mata was one of the Blue's standout performers, ending the campaign with 20 goals, and he has heaped praise on his former boss and his ability to maximize his squad's full potential.

"I had him at Chelsea and we won the Europa League," he told Marca. "It was a great campaign, my best in terms of statistics. Benítez knows how to get the most out of every player and get them performing to their best."

Benitez has previously played for, and managed, Real Madrid's reserve team.