Zidane hails Benzema after Leganes rout

Zinedine Zidane singled out Karim Benzema for special praise after he inspired Real to a 5-0 victory over Leganes on Wednesday night. Quite astonishingly, the French striker has often been criticised by the Real faithful in the past, but he continues to be a key player and stays among the goals.
Benzema took his tally for the season to seven with a second-half penalty in last night’s comfortable win, but that only told part of the story.
The striker set up goals for Rodrygo and Toni Kroos in the opening eight minutes of the game to begin the rout and Zidane was quick to point out what a great all-round player he is. “Karim as always, doesn’t change much,” Zidane told reporters. “It’s important that he scores because he needs that as the number nine of Madrid. “But he contributes much more than goals and does better for others. I am happy with his performance.”
Summer signing Luka Jovic also grabbed a much-needed goal, and Zidane was delighted for him and Rodrygo. “The truth is I am happy for both of them,” Zidane added. “Rodrygo has personality and is getting better in the team. “And Luka is happy because he needed that [goal] and, although he does not play much, it’s important [to make an impact] when he has minutes replacing Karim.”
Real are now one point behind Barcelona, who sit top of La Liga, and they are next in action when they face Real Betis on Saturday.