Benzema: Scoring 35 goals? I like that figure LaLiga Santander - Real Madrid Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso also talked about their former teammate

Real Madrid's top scorer so far this season, Karim Benzema has indicated that he will do his best to score as many goals as possible.

The Frenchman has explained that after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, he would be glad to hit the target 35 times by June.

"When I look back, I look at what I've done at Real Madrid, with a lot of sacrifice, and I'm happy," he told Real Madrid TV.

"The important thing is to always be motivated.

"Before we had Cristiano and now we don't not, so it's my turn and I'm ready for that.

"I'll try to score a lot of goals, as I want to score in every game.

"I'm not going to put a number on my head, but I like to score and give assists.

"Thirty five goals? I like that number."

The 30-year-old went on to talk about his current form.

"I feel very good in this club and in the team," he continued.

"On the pitch I'm always happy, and scoring goals and giving assists make me happy too.

"I feel very well and you can see it on the pitch, as I am strong, motivated and with a lot of ambition.

"It is a very important year for everyone and right now we're fine, we play as a team and we're lucky to be scoring more goals than before."

His former teammate, Xabi Alonso, praised Benzema's contribution to Los Blancos.

"He is one of the best of the last decade, because he manages a lot of things, not just goals," he noted.

"His game is spectacular and I would like to have him as a coach.

"When Karim plays well, the team plays well."

Alvaro Arbeloa had only good comments to add.

"I'm a big fan of Karim, as I have suffered from him in training and I know how difficult it is to mark him," he said.

"He is a legendary player, not only in Madrid but in world football.

"Karim looked sideways where Cristiano Ronaldo was, but this year he doesn't have him and I think it benefits him in terms of scoring.

"Now it is he who finishes the plays and I like that he's taking responsibility for scoring goals."