Austrian and Real Madrid defender David Alaba has heaped praises on his Real Madrid teammate and striker Karim Benzema, stating that he admires the French striker a lot despite not voting for him at the FIFA Best Awards.

Karim Benzema finished in third behind compatriot Kylian Mbappe and winner Lionel Messi. 30-year-old Alaba joined Real Madrid in 2021 and has won the La Liga and UEFA Champions League together with Benzema at Real Madrid.

However, when the results and the voting pattern for the FIFA Best Awards for the men’s player of the year were released, Benzema finished distant third while Alaba voted for Messi as a national team captain.

Alaba revealed that the Austrian national team voted for the award as a team and not his individual decision alone.

Furthermore, he stated that the whole of the team council decides who is voted for. The former Bayern Munich defender made the explanation when he was made the target of online abuse by Real Madrid fans who demanded he exits the team.

While defending the situation, Alaba further explained his admiration for the striker and his time at Santiago Bernabeu.

“Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances, and I have often said that for me, he is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without doubt,” said Alaba.

Karim Benzema scored 11 goals and made 3 assists and 14 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season, although he has had to endure injury problems. He has also scored twice in five UEFA Champions League games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Real Madrid will face Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 fixture where they have a 5-2 victory from the first leg at Anfield.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu