Out-of-favour Benzema must prove himself: Kaka

23 January,2011 07:57 AM IST |   |  Agencies

Brazilian star Kaka warned out-of-favour Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema that he needs to do more to convince coach Jose Mourinho that he is the answer to the Spanish giants' striker crisis


Brazilian star Kaka warned out-of-favour Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema that he needs to do more to convince coach Jose Mourinho that he is the answer to the Spanish giants' striker crisis.

Karim Benzema (left) and Ricardo Kaka

"Benzema is a great player. During training you can clearly see his qualities. He can be an important player for Real, it all depends on him," said Kaka.


"Sometimes he stays a little out of the game and we believe that he can do a little more." Benzema's position at the club has come in the spotlight after Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain was ruled out of action through injury.

After Real's 1-1 draw with bottom club Almeria last weekend, club general manager Jorge Valdano was reported to have questioned why French international Benzema started the game on the bench.

"It's the coach who decides," said Kaka. "I am here to help on the pitch," said Kaka.

Real will attempt to end a mixed week on a high note tonight when they welcome Real Mallorca to the Bernabeu, where the Spanish giants have won their last 18 competitive fixtures. Tonight's game could offer Benzema another chance to stake his claim for the centre-forward position.
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Jose Mourinho Real Madrid Karim Benzema