Zinedine Zidane: It's difficult for Karim Benzema to improve

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has praised Karim Benzema, claiming that it is "difficult" for the forward to improve.

Benzema has scored 18 goals in 17 La Liga appearances this season, most recently finding the net in the comprehensive 6-0 demolition of Espanyol this weekend.

The France international has been embroiled in difficulties off the field this campaign, but there are no doubts about his ability on the field.

Benzema has been hugely impressive this season and appears committed to Real Madrid despite persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the club (via the Daily Mirror).

Speaking to AS, Zidane said: "It's difficult for him to improve more than he has.

"He works very hard. He enjoys working hard in training. You can always improve your game.

"What I want, is not that he opens the scoring for us – just that he does his job well. Defensively he is helping out because he never stops running."

Despite their victory on Sunday, Madrid have much work to do if they are to win the La Liga title this campaign.

Zidane's side are currently in third place in the table, four points adrift of Barcelona despite having played one game more than the Catalans.

Madrid, who have created more chances (345) than any other La Liga side this season, are unbeaten in their last seven top-flight fixtures.

They travel to face Granada in their next fixture as they look to put pressure on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Despite his lack of managerial experience at the highest level, Zidane has made quite an impact since replacing Rafael Benitez at the helm, and is yet to lose a game.