Alvaro Odriozola has hailed his Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema as the ‘best No.9 in the world’.
Benzema has been a polarising figure over the years, getting caught up in as many controversies as he scores goals, but has been a consistent talent for Los Blancos.
Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s unsung hero: Five key things to know…
- Benzema made the €35m move from Lyon to Real Madrid in 2009.
- The Frenchman has won two league titles and four Champions Leagues among his major honours with Los Blancos.
- He has scored over 200 goals for the Spanish capital side.
- Despite his club form, Benzema hasn’t featured for France since 2015 after a fallout with Didier Deschamps.
- Benzema scored in last season’s Champions League final win over Liverpool, with Odriozola hailing him as ‘the world’s best No.9’.
The Frenchman has scored over 200 goals for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2009, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns in the process.
Benzema has often been unappreciated during his time at the Bernabeu, but Odriozola is well aware of his qualities.
“Before I came here, I already liked him, but now I’m in love with Karim,” he told a news conference. “It’s incredible to train with him. He’s the best number nine in the world.
“It’s true that there is criticism, but he has taken on a leadership role in the team.”
Odriozola grateful to both Lopetegui and Solari
Odriozola has recently forced his way back into the Real Madrid first team under Santiago Solari, having only managed three first-team appearances under his predecessor Julen Lopetegui.
However, Odriozola has claimed he has ‘a lot more to thank Lopetegui for’ than complain about, and he is just grateful for the confidence also shown in him from Solari.
“I’m feeling very good, very comfortable. It was a dream to come here. The work is paying off,” he said.
“I have a lot more things to thank Julen for than to reproach him for. The answer was to work more. Now, I have more games, I feel the confidence of Santiago and now I have to return it on the pitch.”
Real Madrid currently sit fourth in the La Liga table, five points behind leaders Barcelona, and face Rayo Vallecano at home on Saturday.
The post Karim Benzema is the world’s best No.9, says Alvaro Odriozola appeared first on Squawka News.
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