Benzema will never score 60 goals like Ronaldo, says Zidane

Hmmm, who agrees with legend Zinedine Zidane? He has defended under-fire Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, arguing that people cannot expect the Frenchman to score as many goals as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema has scored just once in his last six La Liga outings and has received his fair share of criticism for his lack of goals in recent weeks.

However, Zidane has made it clear that the 27-year-old has different qualities and should not be judged solely on his goals.

"I don't know why Benzema gets so much flak," the France icon was quoted as saying by Marca.

"Maybe people want him to score 60 goals a season like Cristiano Ronaldo, but he's not going to do that.

"Benzema's more of a playmaker. He likes linking play, which suits Real Madrid down to the ground."

Zidane also had his say on Carlo Ancelotti's future at Madrid and urged the Santiago Bernabeu side to renew the coach's deal sooner rather than later.

"Ancelotti is very important to Madrid," the World Cup winner added. "He is the best possible coach for this team. I would renew his contract right away. He is a great coach who is handling the squad very well.

"I am not surprised by his success. He is very professional and knows perfectly well what he wants. He has a very clear vision and is control of the dressing room, which is a major challenge these days.

"When you are the best and you hear it from people every day, it ends up getting to your head. You think that's the way it is and nobody can say a word against you. That's how it goes in football. But Ancelotti knows how to get things across and handle the group."

Ancelotti led Madrid to Copa del Rey and Champions League glory last season.