Didier Deschamps believes Karim Benzema is unfairly criticised in France as he announced his latest squad for the upcoming friendlies against Albania and Sweden.
The striker has been in incredible form for Real Madrid this season, scoring 10 goals and picking up five assists in 12 Liga and Champions League appearances.
However, he remains behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the limelight at the Spanish club, while he has come under criticism in his homeland for failing to shine in the national team, but the coach has leapt to his defence.
"He has been efficient for many years," he told reporters. "We also have to look at his statistics and the club he plays for. He is unfairly criticised, especially in France, because abroad he is considered a very high level player.
"He can always do better but he is a very important player for his club and for us, and he enjoys being there."
Deschamps revealed his list of 23 players for the Euro 2016 hosts' friendlies, bringing Benoit Tremoulinas into the team alongside Alexandre Lacazette and Antoine Griezmann.
The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Benoit Costil (Rennes)
Defenders: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Lucas Digne (Paris Saint-Germain), Christophe Jallet (Lyon), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Loic Perrin (Saint-Etienne), Benoit Tremoulinas (Sevilla), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Roma).
Midfielder: Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Mathieu Valbuena (Dynamo Moscow), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Josuha Guilavogui (Wolfsburg), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Dimitri Payet (Marseille).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
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