Real Madrid fullback Alvaro Arbeloa feels he's continuing to improve as a player under coach Jose Mourinho.
The former Liverpool defender is a first-choice for Mourinho at Real.
"One likes to be valued and my statistic against Croatia highlights things people don't really focus on, such as the job a defender does. This is occasionally less appreciated than the work of those in attack," he said.
"Mourinho helps you be mentally stronger because he instills his winning mentality in all his players. He works very well on a tactical level and always helps his men improve."