Navas Hails Benzema

By Nigel Philips

Keylor Navas has heaped praises on his teammate Karim Benzema as he extols the striker for his relevance to Los Blancos.

The French striker has been in good form for the club this season which has left his teammate impressed by the display of the player.

Real Madrid won 3-1 in their Copa del Ray quarterfinals against Girona on Thursday with Benzema scoring the first two goals of the night. 

Thursday's brace increases Benzema's goal haul in this season's Copa del Ray to four in as many games aside having nine goals in twenty-one LaLiga games and three strikes in six Champions League fixtures.

"We know what he brings to the team, he's a reference and we're very happy that he's playing how he is," the goalkeeper said of the 31-year-old striker.

The French striker's consistency in the Madrid first-team has been questioned on several platforms outside the club, and Navas insisted Los Blancos have kept faith in the player because they know his worth to the team.

"He's hugely important for us, we've always defended him because we know what a great player he is," he said.

Madrid awaits their opponent for the quarter-finals stage of the competition, and Navas disclosed the players are ready for any opposition that will be given them.

"We’re relaxed, if we want to win the cup we have to beat whoever we're drawn against."

"We have to take the draw seriously and be hungry to play."