The new king of Madrid. Karim Benzema has been at the top of his game with the Merengues since 2009 this 2021-22 season. With 38 goals and 12 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, the Frenchman is the centerpiece of the Spanish team. It’s very simple, with or without him, Real Madrid is no longer the same team. On Wednesday evening, at Stamford Bridge, the former OL player was of course on the field to take on Chelsea.
Ancelotti praises his KB9
Result: he scored a sublime hat-trick against the Blues in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League. Another hat-trick after that against Paris Saint-Germain in the second round of the 16th leg. Praised by the press and many television advisors, KB9, whose performance was also appreciated by Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, was congratulated by his teammates and his coach Carlo Ancelotti after the meeting. The Italian said of him: “Karim Benzema improves every day like fine wine.”
In a press conference this Friday, Ancelotti was again asked about his striker, who many see win the next Ballon d’Or. He first compared the level of the tricolor star with that of other players he knew, such as Van Basten, Shevchenko or Drogba. “These are different times, it’s complicated. If you compare him to Van Basten, Karim will like it. But also Van Basten”he confessed.
Benzema, still leader even with Mbappé and Haaland
He then returned to his meeting with KB9 almost nine years ago in Madrid, when he was named head of the Casa Blanca in 2013. “His career is very long. It has grown year after year. His personality improved as did his leadership. The player has always been very good, but now he stands out more because he is more decisive. His personality now makes him more of a leader .”† In sparkling form at age 34 (turning 35 on Dec. 19, editors’ note), Big Benz could have prestigious competitors next season.
It’s no secret that Real Madrid dreams of signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland. Two cracks who would be the leaders of the third generation of the Galactics. The last representative of the second generation, as CR7 has departed and Bale will do the same, could Benzema bear the brunt of these arrivals? “With Karim’s age and the fact that he’s getting better… his teammates don’t change a thing. In the future he will undoubtedly be one of the most important players for this club, whoever plays with him.”replied a crazy Carlo Ancelotti in love with Karim Benzema.
