Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Karim Benzema stands alone for the type of striker he is.

The No 9 was in Ballon d'Or contention this year and while he was beaten to the 'Best Striker' award by Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, Ancelotti is in no doubt he has the best in the business in Benzema.

"He's added a massive, regular ability to put the ball in the back of the net. He's at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or (Erling) Haaland," Ancelotti said.

"Benzema is a player who makes a difference. We saw it once again in the game against Athletic, with two goals in quick succession. He's in amazing form."

His two goals against Athletic Bilbao took him to 20 for the season in all competitions - 15 in LaLiga alone which has him four ahead of Juanmi of Real Betis, who is second in the league standings with 11 goals.