ZINEDINE ZIDANE HAS labelled Gary Lineker’s criticism of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as “embarrassing”.
During Madrid’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Tottenham on Tuesday, former England striker Lineker tweeted to claim Benzema was “a tad overrated” and “decent, not great”.
The 29-year-old Frenchman endured a frustrating outing in front of goal in midweek, with compatriot Hugo Lloris completing a remarkable save from a close-range header to ensure Benzema’s tally for the season remains on two from eight matches in all competitions.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s La Liga match with Eibar on Sunday, Zidane said it was unrealistic for Benzema to provide prolific returns on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo.
But he labelled his forward as the best man to lead the line for Madrid – a pointed observation given recent speculation suggesting Spurs’ Harry Kane could be on Madrid’s radar.
“It’s not just Karim, he’s annoying me with [what he says about] Karim because, for people who know football, it’s embarrassing,” Zidane said, addressing the views of one-time Barcelona forward Lineker.
“He’s the best number nine for Madrid, by a long way. Karim will not score 60 goals, but he will score 20 goals and assists for 30 or 40 more.
“It bothers me when people talk badly about my players. For me, Benzema is the best.
“For me, a striker doesn’t only need to score goals. Karim has everything, not only the goals.
“If Karim has been at Real Madrid for almost 10 years it’s not an accident. He always recovers from everything, always shows his qualities.
“On the pitch, he is the best. He has everything. Every quality for a footballer. He could improve, he knows, and he works for it. When he scores more goals, he will be happier”.
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Agree with Linekar
Excellent use of opportunity to massage Benzema’s ego there. Great man management.
Zidane is the best – he was a brilliant midfielder!
@Maire Kelly: What’s that got to do with this story Maire? Zidane is a manager now and it’s in that context that he spoke
@Sloop John G: Two European cups not a bad manager either.
A totally overrated player, he’s only there for bulk to occupy centre backs and create space for Ronaldo..have always been surprised he’s lasted so long at club like Real Madrid!
Benzima is a class #9
Benzema is a top player. There are not many better support strikers than him about. Always involved, not a deadly finisher like Ronaldo or Falcao but he’s not overrated at all.
Poor Zouzou can take criticism
Fuk off Zidane. Rivaldo was twice the player. And Benzo is a sleeper.