Real Madrid defender Pepe says his usual centre-back partner Sergio Ramos has the quality and personality to continue in a midfield role in Tuesday's Champions League semifinal at Juventus.
Ramos was surprisingly picked in midfield for Madrid's 1-0 quarterfinal second leg win over Atletico Madrid, then again in last Saturday's 3-2 La Liga win at Sevilla, and coach Carlo Ancelotti has suggested the experiment will continue in Tuesday's huge match in Turin.
Speaking at the pregame news conference, the Portugal international said his colleague brought "stability" to the team when playing alongside Toni Kroos in central areas.
"[Ramos] has a lot of quality," Pepe said. "He is strong from dead-ball situations and in aerial battles. He sacrifices himself for the team. He gives us stability, and he really helps Kroos. The important thing is that the team wins and does things well."
Pepe praised Ancelotti's knowledge of the game, saying the former Italy and Milan midfielder was a great teacher to have.
"Every minute I spend near Ancelotti I am breathing in football," he said. "He likes to really be immersed in football. As a former player and as a coach who knows our needs, it is a privilege to work with him and share time with him because he teaches us a lot."
Juventus have recently been crowned Serie A champions for the fourth consecutive year, but this is their first appearance at this stage of the Champions League since 2003, so it's no surprise last year's winners Madrid are firm favourites with the bookmakers.
Pepe said pregame predictions were not so reliable at this stage of the competition, and he has team were focused on getting a good first leg result in what was sure to be a difficult game.
"We know how complicated the game will be and the difficulty of playing here, but we dream of reaching the final," he said. "We will approach the game seriously and at this point in the competition being favourites does not win games.
"We are excited to be defending the title and the players picked by the manager will be really excited about playing a good game. We are going to be prepared and we are confident of getting a good result in the first leg and playing a good game."