Real Madrid: Top 5 performances from 3-1 win over Sociedad

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MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 23: Forward Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF in action during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 23, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Xaume Olleros/Getty Images) /

CF Karim Benzema

Like Luka Modric, Karim Benzema was an excellent candidate for Man of the Match honors in this 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad. It’s familiar territory for Benzema, who has probably been Real’s best player this season and is undoubtedly the best striker in La Liga right now. Where he ranks among the strikers in all of Europe’s top five is unclear, but he can’t be far off from Bayern Munich goal-scoring machine Robert Lewandowski.

That’s because Benzema is a scoring machine in his own right. He bagged his 10th goal of the season, scoring the opening goal against Sociedad with his chest/shoulder. Benzema had a few other chances nearly converted, meaning he was on the doorstep of a third straight brace.

He also set up Modric’s goal, which sealed the game at 3-1 in the 74th minute. Benzema’s ability to unselfishly square up others and finish off his own chances makes him one of the most well-rounded No. 9’s in the world.

Sometimes, I wonder where Real Madrid would be without Benzema, whose value to the team is both quantifiable and goes beyond the statistics. It has been a joy to watch him link up with Rodrygo and Eden Hazard over the last few weeks.

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