Dani Ceballos continued his Real Madrid revival on Saturday, as he played the full 90 minutes of Los Blancos' title-winning victory over Espanyol.
The 25-year-old has spent much of this season on the sidelines, and he missed the start of the campaign with an ankle injury which he sustained at last summer's Tokyo Olympics.
Had he not picked up that injury, Real Madrid would have sold Ceballos last summer. However, he has demonstrated persistence and his commitment to the cause, leaving Carlo Ancelotti impressed.
Ceballos has come into the fold late on into the season and seized his opportunity with a number of strong performances.
His contract with Los Blancos ends in 2023 and, a new deal is not yet on the table, he is not on the transfer list either.
This week, Ancelotti mentioned his name in the list of midfielders that he is counting on as he turns his attention to next season.
Last summer, Real Madrid decided not to sell three players who were entering the final years of their respective contracts: Marcelo, Gareth Bale and Isco.
Whilst the club are unwilling to let Ceballos leave for free in 14 months' time, they are beginning to consider offering him a new contract, but a decision has not yet been made.
The Spaniard knows that he needs playing time if he is to be selected in Luis Enrique's squad for the World Cup later this year.
He has adapted perfectly to what has been asked of him by Ancelotti, and his role in this Real Madrid team is growing.
Ceballos' situation has changed completely, and it could culminate in him earning a new contract next season.