Former Lyon star Sidney Govou rates Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema ahead of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Govou played with both players during his career and insists Benzema is the superior talent.

He told L'Equipe: "I think he's largely Thierry's level. Thierry really impressed me because he was not only a fast player but he had the ball. But Karim is more complete.

"He also has a kind of presence because he is smaller and less athletic. Karim has always been a top player. If you love football, it's impossible not to love him.

"I recently saw one of his goals against Glasgow Rangers in the Champions League with OL (3-0, December 12, 2007). He does it all, ball driving, running, hitting in the sequence. There, we say to ourselves that he already had something else..."