Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone claimed compatriot Angel Di Maria is Real Madrid's best player after the Argentine midfielder started on the bench as the Champions League finalists drew 1-1 in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Tuesday.
There are runours that Di Maria will move away from the Spanish capital, given the wealth of attacking options after the arrival of World Cup star James Rodriguez, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested.
However, Simeone claimed he is even more vital to Real than World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
"The second half was more or less the same, with a little bit better play from Madrid with the introduction of Di Maria.
"That was logical because he is the best player they have. It is an important draw and allows us to play a for the trophy at home with a 50-50 chance.
"It is my opinion that Di Maria is Madrid's best player for sure. His ability to change games in the middle of the park helps everyone else to play well."
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti rebuked Simeone for failing to mention Ronaldo and Bale, who both scored as Real beat Atletico 4-1 after extra time in the Champions League final in Lisbon back in May.
"He has forgotten the World Player of the Year and Bale, who scored in Lisbon. He has forgotten many players, but it is true Di Maria is one of many great players we have.
"He is a Real Madrid player and I will use him as I think is best."
Ronaldo was replaced at half-time due to a minor muscle injury, but Ancelotti is convinced the Portuguese won't be sidelined for any prolonged period of time.
"He had a strain after the first-half and he wasn't comfortable. We will evaluate him tomorrow and do all the proper checks, but it doesn't appear anything too serious," said the Italian.
Meanwhile, Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has signed a new four-year contract with Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old former Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham man, who started in Tuesday's 1-1 Supercopa first-leg draw against Atletico Madrid, moved to the Spanish capital in 2012 and helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to Champions League and Copa del Rey glory last term.
"Real Madrid CF announces the extension of Luka Modric's contract, linking him to the club for the next four seasons," a short statement from the club read.
