Real Madrid defender Pepe, has claimed that his club and international colleague Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but that
they can cope in his absence.
Ronaldo was sidelined for the second consecutive game against Valladolid after suffering an injury in the 5-0 hammering of Almeria last weekend.
Despite his absence los Blancos produced a formidable display to comfortably defeat Valladolid 4-0, with Gareth Bale netting a hat-trick, and Pepe believes it demonstrates they can manage without their star man.
Speaking to the club's official website the Portugese defender said: "Cristiano is the best in the world and we need him, but the rest of the team worked very well today. [Karim] Benzema, [Angel] Di Maria and Isco all had great games."
Real have been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring 18 goals in their last four games after an indifferent start to the season.
And Pepe insisted the players are beginning to adapt to Carlo Ancelotti's tactical methods, particularly their high pressing game.
He added: "We started very well in this game, pressing the opponents high up the pitch making our job in defence much easier. We have very clear ideas, we are trying to do things well and the important thing is to continue this good form."
The win has seen Real Madrid close the gap on the early frontrunners Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to only three points, though Barca play fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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