Karim Benzema’s time as the star striker at Real Madrid is winding down, and his successor will be in a fantastic position to shine.
Real Madrid center forward Karim Benzema has set a benchmark at the position over the past decade, establishing himself as one of the world’s most well-rounded strikers – if not THE best all-around striker in the game.
Benzema’s unselfishness is easy to see, as he seems to enjoy assisting as much as scoring, which is rare for a No. 9. But having played with peak Cristiano Ronaldo for the better part of his career, Benzema’s mentality served Los Blancos perfectly.
Now at 32 years old, Benzema remains effective and was Real’s leader in both goals and assists last season. However, his lack of time inside the box and desire to drift creatively no longer make him the best fit as a primary goal-scorer.
And because of his age, Real Madrid must think of his successor. Last summer, Los Blancos kept Benz’s future in mind by purchasing Luka Jovic for 60 million euros from Europa League standouts Eintracht Frankfurt, bringing in the Serbia international after a breakout 2018-2019 campaign.
Jovic didn’t light the Santiago Bernabeu up in his first season with the club, but he did score two goals and set up two more with memorable backheels, including the winning assist against Sevilla in the second half of the season.
It’s unclear if Jovic will be the heir apparent to Benzema at striker, but since he’s actually on the roster, he is the favorite. And certainly, Jovic has the tools as a poacher with an underrated ability to create for others. Again, refer to his backheel assist for Casemiro vs. Sevilla.
But Real Madrid could also go for a striker on the transfer market. Players in their prime like Mauro Icardi could interest Los Blancos, but the club’s top target appears to be – and 100 percent should be – Borussia Dortmund teenager Erling Haaland.
Regardless of who eventually succeeds Benzema as the starting striker in a year or two from now, they will be in an excellent position. Because while Real needs more goals, they have an abundance of players who can create.
Eden Hazard, when healthy, is a machine who can complete four dribbles and draw four fouls in a given game. Vinicius Junior will be at that level in the future. Rodrygo Goes also has “world-class” written all over him.
Martin Odegaard and Isco are capable of putting chances on a plate for a striker. Toni Kroos is the best passer in the world, bar none. Luka Modric is still effective. Achraf Hakimi is full of energy on the flank. Ferland Mendy and Sergio Reguilon are, too. Multiply that by 10, and you get what Fede Valverde provides in midfield.
So you can see, whoever starts at striker for Real Madrid after Karim Benzema will be in great hands and will have every chance to excel.