Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has picked the club’s player that surprised him so far this season.

Speaking at his post-match interview after Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-0 at the weekend, Alonso said defender Alvaro Carreras’ competitiveness in the team surprised him.

Real Madrid signed Carreras from Benfica during the summer transfer window.

“I was optimistic, I have, we have been following him for a while, but his personality and competitiveness have very pleasantly surprised me,” Alonso said.

“He makes very few mistakes and has a great mentality. It’s surprising how quickly he is impacted by that position.

“We also have Fran [Garcia], David [Alaba] and Ferland [Mendy] for that position. But his performance has been excellent.”

Carreras played all 90 minutes against Espanyol and will hope to play again for Alonso’s side against Levante on Tuesday.