Carlo Ancelotti: 'Real Madrid depend on Karim Benzema'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that he is "very happy" to be "dependent" on Karim Benzema, with the striker enjoying an excellent campaign for the club.

The 34-year-old has scored 37 goals and registered 13 assists in 37 appearances for Los Blancos this season, including 11 goals and one assist in eight Champions League outings.

The France international scored three times against Chelsea in the first leg of their European Cup quarter-final last week, and speaking ahead of the second leg with the Blues, Ancelotti said that he is more than happy to rely on the forward due to his incredible form.

"We are dependent on Benzema," Ancelotti told reporters. "That's how it is, we are not going to deny it. And I'm very happy that we are dependent on Karim. It's a reality, and it's a good thing.

"Karim is a modern forward and [does] what is required of strikers. Everything, including defensive work. He is the perfect representation of what a centre forward should be in today's football."

Benzema's form has also played a key role in Real Madrid sitting atop the La Liga table, scoring 24 goals and registering 11 assists in 27 league outings in 2021-22.