Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes that under his guidance Karim Benzema is a better striker than he was this time a year ago.
Benzema impressed for Madrid on Wednesday night in a friendly match against Hertha Berlin which Los Blancos won 3-1.
The former Lyon man hit the back of the net twice.
The 23-year-old's hard work during pre-season appears to be paying off and coach Mourinho believes he deserves some of the credit for the Frenchman's improvement.
He told Marca: "Today, Karim thinks about football the way I do, he has what it takes to produce a good season.
"He is much better than this time last year.
"I have succeeded in converting him."
The Portuguese tactician was also confident that his whole Madrid side could improve from last year.
He added: "Football is not mathematics and nobody can guarantee this will happen this season, but my second seasons are always better.
"The results of pre-season are not the most important thing.
"The good thing is taking shape.
"Winning is nice because you travel happier.
"It was good training for us because the league starts soon and we are gathering pace and intensity.
"After playing against American and Mexican teams, it has been good to come and play in Germany."