Zinedine Zidane hails Karim Benzema

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has paid tribute to Karim Benzema after the Frenchman netted his 23rd league goal of the season against Villarreal on Wednesday night.

A 3-0 victory over the Yellow Submarine saw Real Madrid return to within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, and it was Benzema that opened the scoring late in the first period.

Zidane has branded the striker "a very important player" that "does an excellent job" for the entire team.

"He is a very important player, perhaps he is more important than ever. He does an excellent job. He scores, assists, and helps everyone play better," Zidane told reporters.

Lucas Vasquez and Luka Modric were also on the scoresheet for the home side on Wednesday night.