Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who has been the club’s top man since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema had won the FIFA best player last year, but this time around, he finished second – behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

The 35-year-old has struggled for form of late, but Carlo Ancelotti has come to his defence, claiming that the Frenchman helps the team a lot.

“What he [Benzema] has done for us is there to be seen,” Ancelotti said.

“He has helped us a lot. Hopefully we can thank him this year too. A decisive moment arrives and having Karim [fit] gets us to be closer to the titles.”