How did Karim Benzema establish himself at Real Madrid? Four months before his 27th birthday, Karim Benzema has been rewarded with a new contract that will keep him at Madrid until 2019. Benzema is now indispensable for Real Madrid, but it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Frenchman. Back in 2009, Benzema was brought to Real Madrid in a world-wind summer of spending by the Spanish giants. Florentino Perez shelled out two world record fees to bring in both Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in an effort to make up on lost ground to Barcelona. But while the Brazilian and the Portuguese stole the headlines, it was the young Frenchman that was Perez’ personal star signing.The newly elected Real Madrid president flew to Lyon especially to speak to the striker about joining Madrid. Benzema cites this surprise visit as the reason he opted to move, despite previously stating he would wait until after the 2010 World Cup before leaving Lyon. It was no secret that Perez was a huge fan of young Benzema. It was his influence that saw him immediately went into the first team ahead of Gonzalo Higuain, despite his uninspiring performances. It was Perez’ adoration for the young Frenchman that caused him to break his usual calm, composed demeanour in a Champions League match against Lyon. When Benzema scored, Perez leapt to his feet in celebration. Slight vindication after a tough first season in Madrid. But his failure to make the national squad for the World Cup in South Africa cemented his disappointing start in Spain. When Mourinho arrived in 2010, he immediately voiced his preference for Higuain. The fans, too, preferred the Argentine and were quick to jump on Benzema’s back for what they regarded to be lazy performances from the striker. In January 2011, shortly after Higuain was ruled out for several months, Mourinho’s disdain for Benzema was showcased during an incredible press- conference. Mourinho publicly belittled Benzema, bemoaning his lack of a striker. Mourinho then famously described trying to win titles with Benzema as being forced to “hunt with a cat”. Still just a green banana, Benzema hadn’t yet fully ripened as a player and Mourinho’s public denouncing of his abilities must have stung. Off the field he had his issues too. His homesickness troubled him in his first couple of seasons at the Bernabeu; leaving home at 21 wasn’t easy for the Frenchman. Not to mention the legal troubles he faced over a prostitution scandal involving Franck Ribery. His second season under Mourinho, however, was a revelation. Benzema netted 32 times in 52 games, helping Madrid win their first league title since 2008 in spectacular fashion. Benzema and Higuain were now involved in a rotation system that allowed both players plenty of minutes. Mourinho appeared to have changed his opinion on ‘the cat’ now and Benzema was also being used in the important games ahead of Higuain. This trend continued into the next season, too. In what would be Mourinho’s last year in Madrid, he began favouring Benzema in the biggest of matches. It had also been said that Ronaldo preferred to play with Benzema than Higuain. The Frenchman had now established himself as Madrid’s number nine. As Jose Mourinho left, so too did Higuain. Benzema had outlasted both his biggest critic and his fiercest competition at Real Madrid. Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Benzema shone. He scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid, the ninth fastest player to achieve the feat in Real Madrid’s history. In a season defined by La Decima, Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, Benzema was crucial. His ability to put aside his own selfish instincts for the good of the team have been remarkable. No one has laid on more assists at Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo than Benzema has. Along with Ronaldo and Bale, the Frenchman helps to form the ‘BBC’ (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano). The most formidable frontline in world football. He also has since shaken off his lazy and timid tags that burdened him in the beginning. As he has grown up he has adapted to what is required and expected of him at Real Madrid. Benzema has worked hard to get to this point and earned his new contract. He has never hidden his desire to retire in Madrid and his new contract would see him remain in Madrid until he’s 31. Real Madrid will be holding on to their cat for another five years.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 10:30:10 +0000
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