Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane insisted Karim Benzema has always been a "hugely important player" for the LaLiga and European giant after his two-goal haul.
Benzema – wearing the captain's armband – maintained his fine form with a brace as he helped rescue a 2-1 win over Eibar at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Madrid trailed at half-time but Benzema netted a towering header to restore parity approaching the hour-mark before the 31-year-old repeated the feat with nine minutes remaining.
Benzema – who arrived from Lyon in 2009 – has scored 17 LaLiga goals this season and four in his past three league games, earning praise from Zidane.
"He's always been crucial for the team," Zidane said of his French compatriot. "He's scoring more goals now but he's always been a hugely important player. I want to speak about the team.
"Karim knows very well that the team has been vital for him too and I want to stress just that.
"I'm delighted for Karim. But every player has reacted well, played for pride and looked to win the game.
"Karim is having a great season and he's scoring a lot of goals. People's perception of him has changed as a result, but he's always been a crucial player."
Benzema, who only managed five LaLiga goals last season, has scored 26 goals in all competitions this term.
Madrid – already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey – is third and 13 points behind leader Barcelona.
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