Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has hailed Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as a two-in-one player.

Benzema scored 44 goals for Los Blancos last season – including a prolific 15 goals in 12 games Europe – helping Real Madrid to lift a treble of La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.

Luka Modric said as per Madrid Xtra: “Benzema? 9 and 10 in one, synergy of talent and power!

“One of the greatest I’ve played with. Of course he deserves the Ballon D’Or.

“Benzema is the top player with whom I enjoy playing since day one.

“When I got to know him better, he became even more dear to me. I’m happy for him, he deserves everything.”

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard insists Benzema should win the 2022 Ballon d’Or award after an impressive season for Real Madrid.

Hazard said: “I think there is no other player like Karim.

“Benzema has won 99 per cent of the Ballon d’Or.

“Then with the votes you never know what will happen, but I think it will go to Karim and I hope so because he deserves it.”

Benzema has been hailed as a better footballer than Paris Saint-Germain forward and former Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

@DonCarlosWhites tweeted: “Benzema is a better footballer than messi. Don’t get me wrong. Messi has obviously had a better career and is one of the greatest of all times, but in terms of individual quality, Benzema is better football player.”