Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Levante

Real Madrid ST Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema’s had a surprisingly slow start to the season for Real Madrid, which can help account for how the club hasn’t taken advantage of its opportunities. They have not scored more than one of their own goals from open play in any of their games, as they should have scored more than their three goals against Real Betis considering the chances created. And Benzema was culpable for a few bad misses in that narrow victory at the Benito Villamarin.

But Benzema is the best striker in La Liga for a reason. You’d bet on him to find the back of the net against Levante, considering he bagged a brace in a win against them last September. Then again, he also came up empty in February amidst a slump, so Real Madrid can’t take Benzema scoring for granted on Matchday 5.

Luka Jovic started in back-to-back games alongside Benzema in a 4-4-2, but he’ll likely drop back down to the bench before the international break. Benzema has at least a full week of rest ahead of him, so he will get one more chance to return to form now that October is beginning.

Of course, Benzema offers more to Los Merengues than his goals. He had a marvelous assist against Betis and has drawn at least two fouls with at least two dribbles completed in each of his three league appearances this season, according to WhoScored.com.