Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has credited assistant Zinedine Zidane for Karim Benzema's strong form for Los Blancos in 2014.

The French forward has netted 12 times in 14 games since the turn of the year, and Ancelotti believes that Zidane should take credit for the striker's upturn in form.

"I think Zidane's done fantastic work, especially with Karim. He's communicated a lot with the players and implemented a specific job with all attackers. His work is very important," Ancelotti told RMC Sport.

"I am very pleased with Zidane. He has a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of knowledge. He understands what is happening on the pitch during a match. I asked him several times if he wanted to play but he told me no! He can still play without problem!

"This is important when you get into a club, to be able to rely on someone who knows the club very well, as I had done with Claude Makelele at PSG."

Los Blancos currently top La Liga by three points.