Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has claimed that manager Zinedine Zidane is 'like a brother to him'.

The France international has made just 11 La Liga appearances this season, three of which were from the substitutes' bench.

Benzema has faced criticism during the campaign, but he played a pivotal role in Madrid's Club World Cup semi-final win by opening the scoring over Club America.

Ballon d'Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the victory by scoring his 500th club goal for the Spanish giants.

After the match, Benzema told Teledeporte: "[Zidane] is like a brother to me. He is an example for me and I am very happy to be able to work with him.

"It hasn't been a difficult year, I just haven't played well in two or three games. It's been a very good year, one in which I won titles with Real Madrid and scored many goals."

Benzema has scored four league goals this season and has notched the same number in the Champions League.