Real Madrid: Vinicius Junior has made Karim Benzema’s life a whole lot easier

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Karim Benzema has been the main man for Real Madrid. And for three seasons, Benzema stood alone. He was carrying the attack, scoring goals when nobody else was while also playing a key role creatively. It was remarkable watching how brilliant he was in leading the attack, but it was frustrating watching as Real could not find someone else to help shoulder the load.

This season, Benzema finally has some help. He finally has someone he can play off of and who can also score goals and create clear-cut chances in the penalty box. In Vinicius Junior, Benzema has found another true superstar forward, one season before Kylian Mbappe’s expected arrival to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius has scored nine goals in all competitions already this season. He added two to his tally on Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 win over Elche, and the larger significance of this match-winning performance is that he did it without Benzema.

The Real Madrid left winger had just two chances, and he converted both of them with aplomb. For years, Real didn’t have anyone who could finish with that kind of class on a consistent basis besides Benzema. Resting him was unthinkable, because without him, Real would be guaranteed to lose a match like that.

Karim Benzema can now get actual rest

Thanks to Vinicius, Real Madrid got the job done on the road against an underrated Elche side. And Vini’s continued excellence without Benzema alongside him in the lineup means that Los Blancos can rest Benzema once again in the future. So even beyond Benzema, someone like, say, Luka Jovic benefits from Vini’s breakout in this way. The pressure to start Benz every match is gone.

That can give matches back to Benzema’s career. Benzema is operating at the highest level at the age of 33 and is getting Ballon d’Or shouts. Real Madrid want him to stay this effective for as long as possible. With national team duty back on the table and a grueling schedule set to get even more difficult next year with the World Cup, Benzema’s fitness is of paramount importance. His fitness must be protected.

Vinicius becoming a reliable scorer and a true star helps relieve that pressure and gives Carlo Ancelotti – or any future Real Madrid manager – the peace of mind to give Benzema a bit of a break. Even if Real bring in Erling Haaland next summer, which is entirely possible, the rest for Benzema this season could be vital.

It’s wonderful to see another Real Madrid-level attacker shining in Vinicius. And the implications that has on Benzema should not be lost on Madridistas. After three years of tirelessly carrying this team, including to a LaLiga title, Benzema deserves a break and some help. Thanks to Vini, that relief has come sooner than some may have expected.