Many expected Real Madrid to struggle to replace Ángel di María, who was sold this summer to Manchester United.

James Rodríguez was signed to replace di María's spot in Real Madrid's starting XI, but they're very different players.

"Di Maria could take matches by storm with his energy, but he also used to lose control sometimes, misplacing important passes," Carlo Ancelotti told Onda Cero.

"People should think twice before saying that James can fill Di Maria's boots, because they're very different players."