(Football news) Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been named Champions League player of the season. The 34 year old won the competition for the fifth time when the Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 1-0 in Paris, scoring 15 goals in 12 Champions League games. The Frenchman is also the most likely candidate to win the Ballon d'Or this year. Vinicius Jr. was selected as the tournament’s young player of the year.
The pair were named in the Team of the Season alongside Luka Modric and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was the man-of-the-match in the finals. Other players include runner-up Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Kevin De Bruyne.
Such has been Benzema’s season at Real Madrid that eight time Ballon d’Or winner has heaped praise on the Frenchman by saying “There are no doubts, it’s very clear that Benzema had a spectacular year and ended up victorious in the Champions League. He was fundamental in all the matches from the round of 16 onwards. I think there is no doubt this year.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said “He gets better every day, like wine. Every day he becomes an even better leader, and feels more how important he is for the team and for the club. We are really happy and lucky to have him."
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