Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez branded Cristiano Ronaldo "unquestionable" after being asked whether he would replace the Portuguese during a game.
Benitez has come under fire from Los Blancos forward Karim Benzema after once again substituting the Frenchman during Sunday's Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.
Benitez has insisted that he would have no problem taking off Ronaldo during a competitive match, but has said that it would be difficult because the 30-year-old "guarantees goals".
"My pulse doesn't tremble [at the thought of replacing Ronaldo] but he is unquestionable," Benitez told COPE.
"I don't take him off because he guarantees goals so I try to leave him on whenever I can. With him we have an advantage over the rest. He gets 50 goals or more each season.
"I talk to Ronaldo every day and analyse an assessment of what we have to do to get the most out of him, what is best for Madrid. There is no debate. He's a great professional and a great player. I think he has to retain the Ballon d'Or."
Benitez responded to questions about replacing Benzema by claiming that he wanted to "freshen things up" in the latter stages of the 1-1 draw at Atletico.
Matt Law
