France forward Karim Benzema has defended his perceived lack of effort during games after facing much criticism this season.

The Real Madrid striker has not scored for his country since September 2011 and has also come under fire for a lack of effort at club level this campaign.

"I am a forward and for me to do defensive work in principle is important, but an attacker cannot work and run like the right-back," the 25-year-old told reporters at a press conference.

"I'm not going to run to Hugo Lloris's goal. I must make the first pressure on the opponent, and that helps the whole team. I run 10km per game, I move much, so I consider this criticism to be unfair.

"In any case, there is no attitude problem. When I go on to the field, it is to play football. I am living a moment that is a little more difficult than in previous years. This is part of a player's career."

Benzema has scored 15 times in 60 matches for France.