Real Madrid’s main man up top Karim Benzema has been in phenomenal form during 2021. Firing on all cylinders for both club and country, will this be his year to win the prestigious Ballon D’Or?
Karim Benzema IS Real Madrid’s Attack
Benzema has scored 19 goals and made nine assists in the 2021-22 season alone so far. This has also been in only 22 matches for club and country. His goals have been crucial to where Madrid finds themselves, at the top of both the La Liga and Champions League standings. He’s also had a successful return to the national team and hasn’t had an issue with finding the back in the net for France. However, his presence is most felt for Los Blancos, as he is the team’s primary attacker by quite a stretch. Need to win a match? Benzema will win it for you.
Key factors for Benzema’s success thus far have been his striker partnerships. He has found strong chemistry with Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, for both Madrid and France respectively. These partnerships have highlighted Benzema’s ability. If you look at the results of a match for either of those teams this season, expect to find the Frenchman’s name among either the goals or assists. Maybe even both!
Benzema One of the Favorites for the Ballon d’Or in 2021
This year’s Ballon d’Or will likely see Benzema land at least in the top three with Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi. The Frenchman does have a shot at winning the award this year, although it’s between Polish striker Robert Lewandowski and Argentine forward Lionel Messi as to who is tipped as the favorite. It’s also largely believed Lewandowski would have taken home the award in 2020 had it not been canceled due to COVID-19.
However, Benzema is playing the best football of his life. He has been on the rise ever since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema has stepped up and proven that he is capable of leading Real Madrid from the front, and shouldn’t be counted out this year by any means.
Football and sporting icons have backed Benzema to take home the prize this year. Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, and Rafael Nadal have all voiced their support. In terms of Benzema himself, he has gone on the record stating, “The Ballon d’Or? We’ll see what happens… but I hope so.”
Without a doubt, Karim Benzema has proven why he is a contender for this award. However, we will have to wait and see. The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be revealed during the ceremony later this week on November 29th. Stay tuned!
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