Rafael Benitez hailed the class of James Rodriguez after he played a starring role in Real Madrid's 5-0 demolition of Real Betis on Saturday.
Rodriguez scored twice and had a hand in two more goals while Gareth Bale also had a brace to add to a goal from Karim Benzema.
"James came much later than the rest of the group after the Copa America but is quickly catching up," Benitez said after the game.
"His quality is not a matter of debate. When he has to play, he'll play."
Benitez declared himself delighted by his team's display, though, ever the perfectionist, he highlighted one or two things he wanted to work on as his side only retained their clean sheet as Keylor Navas saved a Ruben Castro penalty.
"I am delighted with the team's performance," he said. "There are things we need to improve on, but I'll take the positives, with the details to be corrected.
"In the first five minutes we had everything -- aggression, intensity and punch for gave them trouble.
"We had one or two moments where we lost focus and we gave away a penalty, but it was overwhelmingly positive. When the players do so well, I do not need to say much."
Benitez again declined to comment on his team's uncertain goalkeeping situation entering the final days of the transfer window.
Asked if Navas had cemented his spot with the clean sheet, Benitez said: "What has been my answer over the past few weeks about the three goalkeepers?
"I am delighted with the three goalkeepers and I just want to enjoy this 5-0 win. I am happy with all of the players I have -- very happy."
Despite Real's onslaught, Cristiano Ronaldo was one name kept off the scoresheet as he continues to hunt for his first goal of the season. But Benitez said Ronaldo's goals will come.
"He's the one who had the most shots on goal, just like [last weekend's draw] in Gijon and that is positive.
"Nobody doubts his quality. He's going to score a lot of goals as long as the team creates chances."
Luka Modric came off with a slight injury in the 75th minute but Benitez said there was no cause for concern.
"There's no worry. It was just a twinge," Benitez said. "He was a in a bit of pain but was able to continue.
"The substitutions were made to protect the players not because they were necessary. That way, I could hand minutes to other players."
Information from Press Association was used in this report.