Benzema lands Ligue 1 award

Lyon striker picks up prestigious honour

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Benzema lands Ligue 1 award

Benzema: Best in France

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Karim Benzema has been named as the best player in Ligue 1 by his fellow professionals.

The Lyon striker has enjoyed a remarkable season, scoring 19 goals in 33 league appearances, and helped his club into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

His eye-catching displays have attracted interest from a host of Europe's top clubs, but the French international is adamant that he wants to achieve further success at Stade Gerland.

Competitive

"I am happy, I have enjoyed a great season," Benzema told L'Equipe.

"I will remain at Lyon next season and we will build a competitive team to challenge in the Champions League.

"It was disappointing to be eliminated (by Manchester United) before the quarter-final this season.

"But we will do everything possible to reach the required level and become one of Europe's biggest teams."

Benzema's team-mate at Lyon, and potential transfer target for Arsenal, Hatem Ben Arfa took the young player of the year award.

Meanwhile, having kept Bordeaux in the hunt for the title heading into the final weekend of the season, Laurent Blanc was handed the manager gong.