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Karim Benzema hits back at critics

France forward Karim Benzema hits back at suggestions that he lacks effort during games.

France forward Karim Benzema has defended his perceived lack of effort during games after facing much criticism this season.

The Real Madrid striker has not scored for his country since September 2011 and has also come under fire for a lack of effort at club level this campaign.

"I am a forward and for me to do defensive work in principle is important, but an attacker cannot work and run like the right-back," the 25-year-old told reporters at a press conference.

"I'm not going to run to Hugo Lloris's goal. I must make the first pressure on the opponent, and that helps the whole team. I run 10km per game, I move much, so I consider this criticism to be unfair.

"In any case, there is no attitude problem. When I go on to the field, it is to play football. I am living a moment that is a little more difficult than in previous years. This is part of a player's career."

Benzema has scored 15 times in 60 matches for France.

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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema responds to a teammate during a game with Real Betis on August 18, 2013
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2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
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11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
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16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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