Carlo Ancelotti has started Brahim Diaz only once this season, which has led to lots of speculations about the 24-year-old.

Diaz seems to be an impressive player, but can’t seem to break into the Real Madrid team.

Carlo Ancelotti has responded to accusations that he doesn’t like Diaz.

“I spoke to him [Brahim]. The truth is that he hasn’t had much game time,” Carlo Ancelotti has told the media.

“I know that he is a player who can contribute. The competition is really serious, but he is a player I like. He is professional, he will have his own role.

“I have read that I ‘have something’ against him, that he is ‘sentenced’… it is not true. I am not a judge, you use the word ‘sentenced’ a lot, I don’t like the sound of it. I don’t sentence anyone. I feel something special for Brahim, he played for Milan after all.”

Diaz has played a total of 118 minutes so far this season for Real Madrid, scoring one goal.

Carlo Ancelotti has decided to reward the young winger with a start against Braga.