Real Madrid: 4 things to be positive about in 2021

Karim Benzema up top

I do not wish to pit Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric against each other in any way. So instead of making a claim as to Benzema’s comparative importance to Real Madrid, I will instead make this obvious statement: Real Madrid would not be title contenders without Benzema.

Madridistas know very well the issues in the attack, and that is why Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are so coveted by this fanbase. Everyone acknowledges Real’s need for another high-level goal-scorer, particularly someone like Mbappe who can provide those goals out wide.

But for now, Real at least have one man who is a potential Pichichi winner and the best current attacking threat in the league.

Benzema is second to only Iago Aspas in both goals and assists in La Liga, and he is on pace to clear 20 goals for a third straight season. And he will be Real’s only valid attacking threat for a third straight season, seeing as how nobody else has more than three goals in the league. (Casemiro and Luka Modric are both tied for second with three goals.)

I could make this about Real’s attacking issue, but, instead, I want to make it about Benzema. How many No. 9’s can create like him? The man is third on the team in dribbles completed per game (1.4) and tied for second with Angel Correa behind Aspas in the assist department among all league players. He is Real’s most important goal-scorer, but he is also their most important chance-creator in the final third.

Benzema is in a category of his own at the striker position. I have heard people joke that he plays his own position, and, quite frankly, I see exactly where they are coming from.

How blessed Madridistas are to have Benzema in their ranks.