Real Madrid vs. Alaves: Never take Karim Benzema for granted
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema put on another masterclass for Los Blancos vs. Alaves.
Coming into Friday night’s match at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, most of the questions regarding Real Madrid were focused on the defense with center back Sergio Ramos suspended, right back Dani Carvajal suspended, and left back Marcelo injured. But there were also worries about the attack, given Real barely scraped by with three straight 1-0 wins, needing penalties to earn three points in their last two games.
Alaves, of course, had played Real Madrid tough early in the season and are no easy opponent. Yet when it was all said and done, Real walked away from their temporary home stadium as easy victors, picking up all three points for the eighth time since the restart by winning 2-0.
Ferland Mendy was the official Man of the Match and deserved it, but Karim Benzema also had a fabulous day spearheading Real’s attack. Had the young players around him been sharper inside the box, Benzema would have added to his goal (a four straight penalty make) and assist.
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Benzema, per WhoScored.com, was highly impressive as it stands. The Real Madrid legend led the team with four key passes and three shots on target, constantly causing problems in and around the penalty area.
He seems to know exactly when to push forward, when to drift wide, and when to drop deep to collect the ball. The former France international was clicking on another level against Alaves, too, unselfishly hooking up teammates.
He found Rodrygo’s runs multiple times and grabbed his assist by feeding Marco Asensio an open look instead of shooting for the stars – and Lionel Messi’s La Liga goal-scoring lead – himself.
Always keeping the play ticking, Benzema completed nearly 89 percent of his passes, which is outstanding for a striker.
But for Benzema, it’s just business as usual. He’s always looking to pass and be a part of connecting attacking moves, as much as he is about scoring goals himself. It’s rare to see that in a striker, but that’s precisely what makes Benzema so special and arguably the greatest striker of the last decade.
Next. This player has been Real Madrid's best loanee. dark
Thursday marked Benzema’s 11th year anniversary since signing with Madrid from Lyon, and it’s so easy to take for granted all that he’s accomplished as a goal-scorer, creator, presser of defenders, and leader of the team. Alaves saw firsthand what Benzema can do to an opponent, and he was majestic on Friday night, seeing the whole field en route to victory.