Mourinho surprised by Benzema rise

Real Madrid honcho Jose Mourinho conceded that he has been taken aback by the resurgence of Karim Benzema after he was voted French Player of the Year by France Football magazine.

After two disappointing years in Spain following his big-money move from Lyon in 2009, Benzema is finally fulfilling his precocious potential this campaign, having already notched 13 goals in the 2011/2012 season.

The forward, who has been continually linked to Arsenal, also made history in last weekend's El-Clasico clash with Barcelona by being the fastest ever goal scorer in the match, netting after an incredible 23 seconds.

"At the start of the year, we couldn't imagine Karim would reach the level he's at today," the Portuguese coach told France Football.

"But thanks to his hard work, his efforts, his character, he's managed to achieve this new status."

Benzema already has a new personal accolade in his sights.

"When I see the former winners, the likes of [Zinedine] Zidane, [Thierry] Henry and other great players, it makes me proud," Benzema said.

"Every year I try and get closer to [winning] the Ballon d'Or. I want to walk in Zizou's [Zidane's] footsteps."