Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has hailed the form this season of Karim Benzema.

However, Varane has refused to comment on Benzema's continued absence from the France squad.

He told Europe 1: "I am not going to speak out, I have already expressed myself a lot on the subject, I do not want to say more.

"It is true that I rub shoulders with all the people concerned by this question, but my position is simple: I stand aside, it is not for me to set foot in the dish, it is not my role.

"I get along well with my coaches and my teammates, that's the most important. I think everything has been said now, the situation has not changed.

"He is a hard worker and he continues to improve. He is physically good, he plays his best football. He is a player who is efficient and elegant on the pitch, it is a pleasure to see him play."