Hazard heaps praise on Benzema: He's the best striker in the world right now Real Madrid Forming a close relationship

Eden Hazard was full of praise for Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema when he spoke to the Belgian press on Monday.

The pair have struck up an impressive relationship at Los Blancos, playing an integral part in the team's recent upturn in form.

"After having played with him for three or fourth months, I think that, right now, he's the best striker in the world," Hazard said.

"But [also] away from his role as a striker, he makes others better."

Benzema hasn't played international football since 2015 in the aftermath of the so-called 'Valbuena case'.

"I feel for him," Hazard said about the situation.

"It's always easier to play against a team that doesn't have Benzema in it."

In terms of his own form, Hazard is beginning to demonstrate his qualities after a difficult start to life in Spain.

"You can always do better, of course," Hazard continued.

"I think that with Real Madrid, since a month ago, everything is going very well.

"We're winning games and the team is improving well, which also makes it easier for me."

"I'm in a good dynamic and I want to continue like this."

Roberto Martinez on Hazard

Martinez has worked with Hazard for the last couple of years with the Belgian national team and knows him well.

"It's certain that, due to the injury, he had a slow start at his [new] club," Martinez said.

"You're going into a different league with a different way of playing.

"It probably takes time for other players to understand what Eden can do on the pitch.

"This is the period of adaptation."

With some good performances under his belt in the famous white shirt, some think he's performing at his best.

"It's difficult for me to say because he's always been at the same level," Martinez stated.

"For the Red Devils, in Belgium... If you look at his influence, his statistics, his number of assists, his goals in the last 35 matches with the national team, he's been very consistent.

"I saw Eden play against Eibar and he's back to playing how he usually plays.

"It's not only Eden's responsibility to get the best out of him. This will come with time.

"I think Eden will improve day by day and he'll reach his best [again]."