Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes forward Karim Benzema is on the same goal scoring level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.
The French striker has been in the form of his life this season and has scored 20 goals in 23 appearances for Madrid so far this campaign.
Benzema is the top goal scorer in the La Liga and has help the Spanish side maintain their lead on the La Liga table.
Benzema striked twice in the 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, the first of which was a stunning effort, was a continuation of that form, with Ancelotti claiming the France international was “the best striker in the world” at the moment.
“I think so, because to his game he’s added a massive, regular ability to put the ball in the back of the net,” Ancelotti told AS. “He’s at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or Haaland.
“Benzema is a player who makes a difference. We saw it once again in the game against Athletic, with two goals in quick succession. He’s in amazing form.”
Madrid were initially drawn against Benfica in the Champions League, but the draw had to be repeated by UEFA due to a technical error, leading to Ancelotti’s side facing a stronger team in Lionel Messi’s PSG.
The Spanish club were said to be “furious” with UEFA over how the draw was handled, with sources telling ESPN that Madrid were insistent that their initial draw against Benfica should have stood.
“It was a sad situation, a clear mistake,” Ancelotti said of the draw. “But there you go, it was a mistake and nothing more.
“Now we need to focus on the tie against PSG. The aim is to go into the tie with the team in the same state as it was before the recent COVID outbreak. What I want is to get into February with no injuries and nobody infected.”
Madrid faced with COVID-19 outbreak in their first-team squad, with Luka Modric, David Alaba, Marcelo, Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale, Rodrygo, Isco and Andriy Lunin — as well as assistant Davide Ancelotti — all testing positive ahead of the trip to San Mames this week.
Ancelotti, whose side have a week off over Christmas before they face Getafe in LaLiga on Jan. 2, dismissed suggestions that Madrid already have the the title wrapped up, despite the club holding a 17-point lead over champions Atletico Madrid and an 18-point advantage over Barcelona at the league’s halfway stage.
“We’ve got a small advantage and it’s true that some of our rivals, such as Atletico or Barca, are somewhat behind,” Ancelotti said. “But not Sevilla, for example. LaLiga is a tough competition because you can never say this is an easy game. There are so many good teams, and so much good football on offer.”
Source: ESPN
