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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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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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