Former UEFA president Michel Platini has scolded his compatriot Karim Benzema by claiming that the striker is not a top player.
The Real Madrid man has established himself as one of the leading attackers in the world in recent years and he has particularly impressed this term, scoring 21 goals in 22 La Liga matches.
However, Benzema’s involvement for France at the European Championships is in doubt over off-field controversies involving his international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema is available for selection for Les Blues after his restraining order on Valbuena was lifted over the sex-tape controversy that came to light last November.
But France manager Didier Deschamps neglected to select him for their recent international fixtures against the Netherlands and Russia, throwing his involvement at the finals in doubt.
The forward is one of France’s most high-profile and successful players but Platini seemed to suggest that he would not be sorely missed if he wasn’t selected for the squad.
Platini told BeIN Sports, as reported by Football Espana: “There’s a good generation [of French players] and a coach who knows what he’s doing. Both of these will allow the French team to do well.
“I’m more sceptical about the case of Karim Benzema. There are players who play for big clubs, but you can’t say that Benzema is a top player.
“He’s very good, but the star of Real Madrid is Cristiano Ronaldo. Didier Deschamps will decide, but we must let him decide. He has my confidence.”
Although Benzema has scored 27 goals for his country – more than any other player in France’s latest squad – Deschamps certainly has plenty of good striking options to choose from.
Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette are all viable alternatives to the Los Blancos frontman.
Nevertheless, Benzema has enjoyed one of his best seasons to date, converting an impressive 31.3% of his shots and creating 33 chances in Spain’s top- flight this term meaning he would undoubtedly be an asset on the pitch if called up.
Meanwhile, Platini may also miss out on the tournament as he is currently serving a ban from all football-related activities after it emerged that he accepted a £1.3m payment from FIFA in 2011.
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