Real players making great steps under Zidane

Previous coach Rafa Benitez's final game in charge came in a 2-2 draw against Valencia on January 3, whilst Zidane beat them on Saturday and now has a 33rd league title for the club in his sights.
The difference between the present day and Benitez's final moments are staggering.
Real are now one point behind league leaders Barcelona going into their final against Deportivo La Coruna and have a second Champions League final in three seasons to look forward to.
Quite a few factors can point to this remarkable turnaround but none more so than the players themselves.

Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez are considered two of the most improved under Zidane, whilst with Benitez their game time came off the bench, or they simply had to watch on from the stands.
Casemiro started seven games and made four substitute appearances for Benitez.
Zidane, meanwhile, has already made him a key figure in his line-up by starting the Brazilian nine times and bringing him off the bench just once.
The 24-year old made appearances against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on September 12 and October 4 respectively, but endured a five-game wait absence in between as he was lowered down the pecking order.
He then kept his place in Benitez's squad until the Clasico on November 21, where the former Liverpool manager reverted to tactics of old playing James Rodriguez in a three-man midfield.

Real went on to lose 4-0 and thus began the unfolding of Benitez's time at the club.
Academy graduate Lucas Vazquez played two games for Benitez making eight appearances as a substitute.
With Zidane, however, Vazquez has made seven starts and as many introductions from the bench.
The 24-year old has made good use of the opportunities after injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.