Karim Benzema's Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior has insisted that it was important for the Frenchman to take over the mantle of club star once Cristiano Ronaldo left the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Since the beginning of last season, Benzema and Vinicius have struck up a fruitful partnership up front for Los Blancos, helping each other score on a frequent basis and contributing to important title triumphs.
The partnership he and the France star have struck up contributed to the side from the Spanish capital winning the Supercopa de Espana, LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles last season.
Last season was Vinicius' breakout season in the famous white of Los Blancos, with the Sao Goncalo native scoring 22 goals and assisting a further 20 strikes in all competitions for Real.
The Brazilian has now attributed his growth to his captain Benzema, stating his belief that the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner has relished the opportunity to be the leader and star of the team since Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018.
"I think everything," Vinicius told Goal when asked what his favourite thing about his relationship with Benzema is.
"Karim teaches me a lot every day and I do everything so that he can score a lot of goals, like last season.
"He is a person who has helped me a lot and I try to help him a lot on the pitch.
"After playing with Cristiano [Ronaldo] for so long, being the star of the team is very important for him and I am happy to be able to help him."
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The 22-year-old also made it clear he wants to stay in Madrid for the foreseeable future, and thinks he and his fellow youthful Madridistas can add to the club's fabled legacy.
"At Madrid," he answered when asked where he sees himself in five years.
"I'm sure I can continue playing here for a long time. Both myself and the rest of the young players who are with us now: [Eduardo] Camavinga, Rodrygo, Fede [Valverde], [Aurelien] Tchouameni, [Eder] Militao... we have a very good squad now and in three/four years' time it will be much better."
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