Kovacic: Benzema is best striker in world

CAIRO – 6 December 2017: Mateo Kovacic, Real Madrid’s young Croatian midfielder, believes that his teammate Karim Benzema is the best striker in the world, even though he praised his former teammate at Inter Milan, Mauro Icardi.

Kovacic spoke at a press conference prior to the last match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the last round of the UEAF Champions League group stage on Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

"I have played with [Icardi]; he is a very good player who scores many goals," said the Croatian to the assembled press.

Mauro Icardi played 15 games this season in all the competitions with Inter Milan, scoring 16 goals.

"Icardi is good and could help us for sure, but I don't talk about signings. But we have the best forward in the world, which is Karim,” Kovacic continued.

Benzema played 16 games this season in all the competitions with Real Madrid. He only scored 5 goals.

"I think I can be a trigger for the team; I'm ready," he added.

"I started the season very well and it's true that the injury put a stop to that, but I can still contribute. I want a more important role, as at the beginning of the year.”

Real Madrid faces different challenges in December, like playing important clashes against Sevilla and Barcelona in the Spanish League and participating in the Club World Cup in the United Arab of Emirates.