Liverpool Transfer News: Karim Benzema Warning Issued to Madrid by Eric Abidal

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has warned Real Madrid not to sell compatriot and longtime Liverpool target Karim Benzema.

According to Ben Jefferson of the Express, Abidal told Gol TV: 

"

Benzema is the man I'd sign from Madrid if I were at Barca, definitely.

For me, he is Madrid's most important player right now.

If you take Benzema away from Real Madrid then they would continue scoring goals but not as many as they do with Karim in the team.

He's a very complete player and other players play well in Madrid when Karim is there.

"

As noted by Michael Cox for ESPN FC, Benzema continues to be under-rated by the Madridistas and, to an extent, the whole footballing community despite his goalscoring form.

Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides is a staunch defender of the French international, however:

Looking purely at the stats, it's hard to believe Benzema isn't widely considered one of the top strikers in world football.

The 27-year-old has scored 20 goals and contributed nine assists in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, and has reached at least that goal tally in every season since 2007-08, save only for his debut year in the Spanish capital.

Carlo Ancelotti, should he still be manager come the end of the season, should heed Abidal's words.

Here are some of the Frenchman's numerous highlights from this season:

According to Cox, what makes Benzema so important to Los Blancos is his work rate and movement, creating space for his more illustrious team-mates and allowing them to shine.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe echoes a similar sentiment:

The striker's unselfishness is reflected in his passing stats. Benzema has created 37 chances for his team-mates in La Liga this season, bettered only by Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez (h/t Squawka).

In the UEFA Champions League, Benzema's generosity shines even more:

"

Matchday | Karim Benzema averages more key passes [2.8] than any other player in the UCL for Real Madrid this season. pic.twitter.com/uA6kSnHpor

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) March 10, 2015"

The qualities Benzema offers would add to any side, and Liverpool in particular would benefit hugely from acquiring a proven goalscorer.

Daniel Sturridge has missed the majority of the season through injury, and Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have spectacularly fallen short of replacing Luis Suarez's contribution to the team with just three league goals between them.

Whether the powers that be in Madrid heed Abidal's warning remains to be seen.

As Sergi Dominguez notes, Benzema extended his contract with Los Blancos just last summer:

That said, if Real were ever tempted to cash in on the forward, then a move in the relatively near future would command the biggest fee, owing to Benzema's age. 

Liverpool's ability to land his signature might also depend on factors such as qualifying for the Champions League, but if they can sign him, they will have taken a big step in replacing Suarez and returning to the heights of last season.