The France legend feels that the ex-Olympique Lyon striker has been a revelation in the Spanish capital this season and hopes he can replicate that form for Les Bleus at Euro 2012
Zinedine Zidane has praised Karim Benzema's performances for Real Madrid this season."Benzema has been very important this season for Real," the 39-year-old told RMC.
The 24-year-old netted 32 goals in all competitions for Los Blancos this term, firmly establishing himself as Real's first choice striker ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.
Zidane, who is currently Real's director of football, believes Benzema is finally fulfilling his vast potential and sees him as a huge asset for France at the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
"This is the just reward for his talent and character. He scored a lot of goals and was very good in a lot of games," Zidane said.
"He has been invaluable to his colleagues and we need a player like him. Hopefully he will be important for Les Bleus because they will need him."
Benzema has been included in Laurent Blanc's preliminary squad for Euro 2012, with the final 23-man group to be announced by May 29.
France is drawn with England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine for the June 8 to July 1 tournament.
