Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has lavished praise on his captain Sergio Ramos amid criticism of the centre-back.

Ramos is one of the most prolific goal-scoring centre-backs in the history of football, with the 31-year-old managing 72 goals for Madrid since joining the club in the summer of 2005.

However, the Spain international continues to receive criticism for his defensive performances.

Zidane has leapt to the defence of Ramos, claiming that the former Sevilla youngster is Madrid's 'leader and captain', and insisting that the centre-back 'deserves more respect'.

"Sergio Ramos is our leader and he is our captain, and those who have expressed doubt about his position are those who lack respect. Everybody at the club has a lot of love for him," Zidane told reporters.

Ramos scored 10 times in 44 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2016-17 campaign.