Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra believes compatriot Karim
Benzema will prove himself as "one of the best strikers in the
world" - but insists the forward needs time to adjust.
France striker Benzema has made a mixed start to life at the
Bernabeu since his summer switch from Lyon, with moments of
brilliance punctuating ineffective spells and rumours of off-field
disquiet.
Diarra, meanwhile, has impressed since signing from
Portsmouth just over a year ago and believes his club and country
team-mate will come good in time.
"He can be one of the best strikers in the world," said the
midfielder ahead of Saturday's trip to Xerez.
"He had never left Lyon. He was always with his family and
always played for the same team. Being here alone is completely
different for him. He has a lot to get used to.
"I think he will show what he can do in a year or a year and
a half. He is a very good player."
Benzema at least has an ally in his old friend Diarra, with
the midfielder also glad to have a fellow Frenchman in the same
dressing room.
"It is very nice," said Diarra.
"I have known him for a long time. It is nice to play with
him and it is good to be able to speak French outside the club.
"He is good for Madrid. He is young - only 22 years old. This
is his first transfer so he needs a little time to get to know
Madrid, the team and the players. I think his best is yet to come."
Diarra has recently returned from injury but insists there is
work to do before he is firing on all cylinders.
"I feel good," he told realmadrid.com. "Not as well as I
would like, so I still have some work to do.
"I hope I get to where I want to be in the next few days."
With the likes of Esteban Granero, Rafael van der Vaart, Xabi
Alonso, Fernando Gago and Guti all competing for starting places,
Diarra insists he relishes the competition for places.
"It has always been like that since I started playing
football," he said.
"Big teams always have that competition. The manager has to
make a choice when there are so many good players to choose from.
You have to be fit and play at a high level all the time.
"It's good for the team. Sometimes the players don't want
this kind of competition, but I think it is good for everyone
because you work more and get better, and in the end everyone wins.
"It is good for everyone."
Madrid are five points off leaders Barcelona heading into the
match, with Benzema and Christoph Metzelder doubtful with injury.
Marcelo may recover from a stomach bug in time while
Cristiano Ronaldo returns from suspension.
Xerez remain rock bottom but have at least found their
scoring touch recently to show signs of life.
Nestor Gorosito will have Francis and David Prieto to call on
while Abel Gomes returns to replace Alex Bergantinos.
