Real Madrid: 5 things we learned from the 2020-21 season

5. Benzema must be supported, now more than ever:

Karim Benzema, once again dragged Real Madrid as far as he could. In the last three seasons, he has contributed 118 goals for Real Madrid. For context, that is more than the next 3 players combined. Yet again this season, the Frenchman led the way for Real with the most goals and second-most assists. Remove his influence, Real are nowhere near where they finished.

For all of his continued brilliance, Benzema cannot continue to do it all alone. We saw that in the game against Villarreal, he tried and tried – collapsing to the turf after he assisted the second goal. If ever a moment encapsulated the narrative, this was it.

This cannot continue into the new season, Benzema will be representing France this summer, which will mean he will be resting far less. Real have been lucky in the past few years, with Benzema being able to enjoy rests during international breaks. If he continues with France beyond the Euros, it is imperative he gets a balance at Los Blancos.

Real have Borja Mayoral and Luka Jovic out on loan currently. The Spaniard has impressed at Roma, whilst the Serb has not had quite the impact expected. However, both have uncertain futures. Mayoral could see his purchase option exercise, whilst Jovic is reportedly up for sale.

The club must provide Benzema with both adequate support and options off the bench. He has done a more than an admirable job to this point, but he is over 30 and age will inevitably catch up. Mariano Diaz is not an adequate option, and the wingers continue to fail the Frenchman when he needs them most. Pérez must repay Benzema now.