Alvaro Morata vs. Karim Benzema: comparing Real Madrid’s strikers

With the disturbing news of Ronaldo’s departure and Modric possibly getting imprisoned, surely we Madridistas need some chill. Let us take a break and have a look at one of the most hotly debated topics last season: Who’s better: Morata or Benzema?

By the numbers

I’ve decided to include Cristiano’s stats in the Champions League as a benchmark after his marvelous performance last season.

The biggest argument in favor of Morata is his goal per 90 minutes ratio. Indeed, Morata managed to score more goals (15) in less games (26) than Benzema.

When we look at the goal/90 min, Morata even tops Cristiano, who was undoubtedly Real Madrid’s best forward. Yet, it’s Cristiano who takes the lion’s share of applauds and cheers. Is it just because he’s Real’s poster boy? Personally, I don’t think so. I believe it’s more about something that is difficult to be quantized. Something we can only detect through the eye test (which we will get to later).

The surprising part is what comes next: Morata AND Benzema manage to get the same shot accuracy. Again, why people like me constantly criticize Benzema seems very vague; or rather once again, the eye test might explain something the available stats can’t.

The stats reinforce another fact: Benz is obviously a better creator than Morata. Also, the difference between the shots per 90 minutes isn’t a large number. This suggests one of two things: either Morata is notably a better goalscorer than the Frenchman, or, Benzema played against significantly stronger goalkeepers. The latter is indeed true judging by the fact that Benzema was Zidane’s undisputed choice for the #9 starting spot, especially in big matches. Although, I believe that part of the reason why the numbers turned out like this is because Morata is a better goalscorer than Benzema. Moreover, Benzema has a weird knack for wasting sitters..

But again, being an elite forward in this sport, and in this decade, it’s about much more than just scoring goals.

Looking at the stats, Morata is clearly Real Madrid’s better dribbler. Not only does he manage to get more successful take ons, he also manages a more successful percentage of his attempts at getting through defenders. To me Morata seems like a much better option against teams that drop back and defend in numbers like Ateltico.

I thought it would be better to compare the striker duo with Gareth Bale this time. You might’ve guessed what I am trying to get at: Morata can play as a winger. A world class one as well. In fact he might’ve been a very good option to recreate an insanely powerful trio of Morata – Cristiano – Bale to lead Madrid’s attack. Moving Ronaldo to the center obviously frees Ronaldo of all duties as a winger – both offensive and defensive ones. It also gives Madrid a proper winger to support Marcelo on the wing, which’s something I believe we have been missing for more than a couple seasons now.