Generally, Real Madrid is quite good at keeping the players that they want to keep. There is usually an understanding even before a contract renewal is offered that the player wants to stay and that the club will do what’s possible to make it happen. This season, there are seven players who are in their final year and even though rumors continue to circulate about a few of them, nothing has been officially announced. Which of these seven players should continue at the club beyond this season?
1. Karim Benzema
This is a no-brainer. The Real Madrid captain and expected future Ballon d’Or winner has been in sensational form over the past couple seasons and simply put, the team isn’t really the same without him. Unfortunately, many football fans in the modern day suffer from recency bias and with Benzema’s dip in form this season, and Real Madrid’s capabilities to find the back of the net even when he was out injured, there has been talk about it being the time to move on. It’s not.
Benzema is still the most important asset in this Real Madrid team. On the pitch, he offers goals, leadership, guidance and a way of playing that helps the team move forward smoothly and effectively. Off the pitch, he offers the same leadership and comfort to the younger players and those around him which has already proven to be vital for results on the pitch.
There is no doubting that the French forward should stay for at least another season. Even if we decide to assume the worst and say that he will no longer be valuable on the pitch like he was in previous seasons (it’s worth noting that last season’s numbers cannot be comparable as he was in another level that is very difficult to maintain over two seasons), then any new striker that comes in over the summer will be able to look to him for the assistance and guidance of what works and what doesn’t.
Don’t forget that Real Madrid is not just another club and many incredible players have succumbed to the pressure of playing at the club, having the captain help you through that for your first season can do wonders.