Karim Benzema takes aim at Al-Ittihad team-mates amid three-month goal drought in response to Real Madrid question

Benzema has struggled to hit the heights in Saudi Arabia that he did in his final years at Real Madrid, where he was crowned the best player in the world. Yet, the former Ballon d'Or winner has claimed it is his team-mates inability to support him which is limiting his performances, rather than his own form. He has scored just nine goals this season, 20 short of his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

Questioned by Action with Walid why he wasn't performing as he had at Real Madrid, the Frenchman laughed and said: "It’s because it’s not the same game, it’s not the same players, I need to be helped. I need help on the pitch. I can’t win the game alone. I need a lot of things."

Few would argue with Benzema that the teams he played in at Real Madrid were stronger than the Al-Ittihad side he captains now. But many would suggest that this should not excuse the Frenchman's troubles. Benzema's nightmare spell in Saudi has seen him allegedly miss training sessions and linked incessantly with a return to Europe. The latest outburst will do him little favours in cultivating a winning dressing room.

Despite rubbishing rumours that he was unhappy in Saudi Arabia previously, his stance may shift come the summer. If Benzema wants to play alongside better players, he may feel inclined to depart Al-Ittihad unless the club, once again, splash out on some big names.