Aurelien Tchouameni has defended Karim Benzema, his teammate at Real Madrid and with the France national team, after the striker was criticised for missing several matches for his club in the buid-up to the World Cup.
Benzema was accused of prioritising his national team ahead of his club, but Tchouameni has insisted that the No.9 was genuinely injured.
Karim Benzema and Alexia Putellas win Ballon d’Or awards
“He is used to criticism and if he didn’t play the last few matches then it’s because he wasn’t 100 percent,” the midfielder said of his club teammate.
“He is calm and understands his body well.”
“He knows that he’ll be able to help the team when he’s ready.
“Karim is the best player in the world and has demonstrated this for some time. It’s a pleasure to play in his team.”
Tchouameni previews his first World Cup
This will be Tchouameni‘s first experience of a World Cup and he hopes he can help Les Bleus win a second in a row.
“It’s going to be a great World Cup,” he said, before explaining how he thinks he has evolved so far during his short France career.
“Maybe I wasn’t at my best in the Nations League and there can be no excuses for that, even if I still have a lot to learn.
“I need to be more consistent and I have no problem admitting that.
“The fact I have been playing for Real Madrid has given me more confidence for this World Cup.
“I have learned a lot from my teammates and from Carlo Ancelotti.”
