Carlo Ancelotti praises Karim Benzema

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has praised Karim Benzema for his goal-scoring form this season.

The Frenchman was criticised for a perceived lack of effort in the early part of the season, but has since found form for the capital outfit.

"He is confident and is relaxed because he has played a lot of matches and knows that he is an important player for this team," Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.

The 26-year-old, who joined Los Blancos from Lyon in 2009, has scored 11 league goals this season and 15 in total.