Juventus defender Patrice Evra believe Karim Benzema can lead France to glory at the European Championships next summer adding that criticism of the forward is uncalled for.
The Real Madrid men ended a run of one goal in his last 12 games for his country last week with a brace in the friendly win over Armenia. Unfortunately for Les Bleus and Real he picked up a hamstring injury in the game and is expected to be out for three weeks.
Benzema has been criticised in the press in recent weeks with some saying he doesn’t care about playing for his country and is more focused on his club football. Earlier this week Benzema himself stated how desperately he wants to win trophies with France.
And now Evra has backed him, claiming he is key to the side’s chances of winning the tournament on home soil next summer.
Speaking to RMC, he said: “For me, Karim’s a great striker. I’m not the coach, but I think in Didier Deschamps’ eyes he’s the No.1. He must assume his status. He was whistled in Nice against Armenia but scored two goals in the end. He has to ignore the critics – he can’t make everyone happy. I’ve told him to keep working. He knows that we will do all we can to make him shine.”
