Real Madrid Coaching Staff Question Karim Benzema'

[Arslan]

Real madrid coaching staff are reported to be having doubts over the effort and commitment of French striker Karim Benzema according to AS.

Benzema has scored three times in his seven appearances for Los Blancos but his performances are understood to be way short of what is expected of him at the Bernabeu and he is said to be falling behind Raul and Gonzalo Higuain in the pecking order for a starting place in the team.

The French striker has been substituted in his last four appearances for Los Merengues with his weekend replacement in the win over Real Valladolid, Higuain, impressing with another goal..

Coach Manuel Pellegrini and his staff are believed to be far more impressed by the effort and work rate of Higuain and veteran Raul and Benzema's effort and end product will have to improve if he is to retain his place in the team.

The �35 million summer signing is expected to start against Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as Higuain is understood to have a minor injury. With four seasons behind him already in Europe's premier competition, there is already pressure on the 21-year-old to start giving the performances and goals that his price tag demands.

[sheem]

tfs /up