UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Karim Benzema hails his partnership with Real Madrid youngster

Ajax v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

What's the story?

Real Madrid sharpshooter, Karim Benzema, has hailed the impact of new signing Vinicius Jr on the team, revealing that he likes to play with the 18-year-old Brazilian.

In case you didn't know...

Both the veteran Frenchman and the 18-year-old have emerged as the standout performers for the Los Blancos after enduring a poor start to the season. Vinicius' impact on the team is showing after a string of powerful displays from Real Madrid in the past couple of months.

While Karim Benzema is the top scorer of Real Madrid with 18 goals in all competitions, Vincius Jr. is the top assist provider with 8 assists. The partnership between the two upfront has been the key to Los Blancos' good fortune and it is clear that their chemistry has benefited the team.

8 - Vinícius Júnior has provided eight assists in all competitions for Real Madrid - more than any of his teammates. Prodigy. #AJARMA pic.twitter.com/8xsNvrGllX

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2019

The heart of the matter

Vinicius was largely unused by former boss Julen Lopetegui in the first half of the season but he has been a regular started under Santiago Solari, with his presence leading to good performance and good form for Benzema.

Since the Sevilla game, where the Brazilian earned his first starting place, the Frenchman has scored eight goals and registered one assist in nine games, with a lot of it due to the presence of Vinicius who has created opportunities for him to score. Their chemistry was evident as Vinicius assisted Benzema after a brilliant run against Ajax last night.

Benzema when asked about the impact of Vinicius, claimed, "I like playing with Vinicius, he is a player who listens, takes in advice, and works very hard. I am in good form and wish to continue like this”

What's next?

After a crucial away win against Ajax in the knockout rounds of Champions League, Real Madrid will look to continue their good run of form. They will meet Girona and Levante before facing Barcelona twice- one in the Copa Del Rey Semis and then in the La Liga.

It will be interesting to see how Vinicius' partnership with his senior teammate evolves in the near future but at the moment, it is a huge positive for Real Madrid.