Wenger explains the secret behind Benzema’s Real Madrid U-turn
Robin Bairner
- 5 May 2022 12:15 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema could be heading for the 2022 Ballon d’Or, but little over a year ago, there were genuine question marks over the France international’s future at the Bernabeu.
With a contract that expires in 2023, there were fears that Benzema was past his best and might even be moved on.
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Under Carlo Ancelotti, though, Benzema has enjoyed the best season of his career. He has scored 43 goals in 43 matches in all competitions this season and has laid on 14 more.
He has saved his best for the Champions League, scoring 15 times in 11 matches, including 10 in six knockout stage fixtures.
Legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been watching the resurgence of his compatriot closely and has explained why the former Lyon forward is now thriving.
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“Benzema, I would say, until 30, had two or three kilos too many. Now he's a real athlete and that's why today, certainly, he's one of the two or three best strikers in the world,” he told BeIn Sports.
“'I would say he's a demonstration of intelligence and efficiency. Everything he does is intelligent and looks simple.
“When I see him play, I think I could do the same. He smells the rhythm of the game like nobody else.”
Wenger went on to explain why he believes the best forwards in the game today are all in what would previously be considered the veteran stage of their careers.
“It is something interesting that we are seeing across Europe now: the oldest strikers are the most efficient,” he said.
“Robert Lewandowski, Benzema, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they are scoring goals at 35 and at 40.
'The best strikers in Europe are all over 30 years of age. They use every opponent's mistake.”
Benzema will lead Real Madrid into the Champions League final on 28 May and there is now no prospect of him being moved on by the La Liga champions.
