Real Madrid Castilla boss Zinedine Zidane has claimed that he is bewildered by criticism of Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

Benzema has netted 126 goals in 265 games for the Spanish outfit since joining from Lyon in 2009, including 15 in 30 matches this season.

However, the forward still receives criticism in some quarters, which Zidane finds hard to fathom.

"Maybe he should wear the number 10 shirt to make everyone happy? I don't know why he receives such stick," Zidane told Marca.

"Maybe people want him to score 60 goals a season like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, but he's never going to do that. He's more of a playmaker who likes to link up the play, which suits Madrid perfectly."

Nine of Benzema's 15 goals this season have come in the league.