Karan Shah, our youngest football writer talks about Karim Benezama's previous seasons and how he has finally made it Real Madrid.
Regarded as one of the most promising upcoming players in recent times, Karim Benzema blasted on to the international scene at a young age of just 16. Of Algerian descent, Benzema has been likened to Zinedine Zidane, although plays in more of a striking role where he is able to use his pace, skill and power to demolish opposition defenses. Born in Lyon, he came through their youth ranks and began his career with Olympique Lyonnais in France’s highest football division, Ligue 1.
His versatility and vision in the game proved a useful asset for Lyon, as he was able to play on either of the flanks, but in his favoured position as a lone striker he continued his success with France’s top team. In the 2006-07 season he scored 5 goals from 13 starts, which was enough for him to be get his first-call up for the French national side.
For the 2007-08 season, with the likes of Malouda, Carew and Wiltord all departing the club, Benzema despite being 19, switched to the number 10 shirt and was given control of the attack. He responded extremely well with 31 goals in 51 games being the top scorer in the league. For his efforts that season, he was named the Ligue 1 player of the year. In the Champions League knockout rounds, against Manchester United, Benzema continued his great goal scoring form with a blistering left-footed shot despite being surrounded by five United players. A goal, considered as one of the best of the season. He was shortlisted for the 2008 Ballon d’Or award, won by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema scored a total of 43 goals in the time he was at Lyon out of which he scored 20 in the 2007-2008 season outpassing Pauleta’s 15 goals for PSG in the previous season. However, this form of his was not enough to warrant a place in the starting eleven under France coach Raymond Domenech who controversially refused to let him play in France’s crucial match against the Dutch in the Euro 08 competition which they eventually lost 1-4 and Benzema made his discomfort with the coach’s intentions rather public before the fans and the press.
One of his best goals came against Lens, which was also nominated as the goal of the season by fans. After being surrounded on the left flank by two Lens’ defenders Yohan Demont and Fabien Lauranti, Benzema performed a backheel nutmeg (taking the ball between the legs of the opposite player) on Lauranti causing him to fall down. Benzema, then, continued through to goal and blasted a right footed shot past the goalkeeper into the net.
Before representing France, Benzinho had the chance to play for his home country, Algeria however he turned them down stating,”Algeria is my parent’s country and it is in my heart, but football-wise I will only play for the French National Team.” His main strength is his killer instincts on goal, off the ball movement and exquisite dribbling that tears defenses apart, quite literally, reminiscent of the Brazilian Ronaldo, whom he considers his idol.
Benzema’s childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid came true when on 1 July 2009; Lyon reached an agreement with Real Madrid for his transfer. Unlike Lyon, however his place in the starting eleven might be under threat considering Madrid have a huge and varied class of strikers including Higuain, Raul, Nistelrooy and the recently acquired Alvaro Negredo.
His youth, as well as his exceptional talent have made him one of Europe’s finest prospects, as he continues to develop among the world’s best, touted as the French Ronaldo, he will surely blossom into a world-class striker.
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Kunal Ghate
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... I really wish to see how Real Madrid plays this season with all the stars in the team! |
Asif Khan
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... I don't expect any wonders from the Madrid team, all the stars will take at least another year to settle in. They will surely challenge for titles and cups, but won't roll over anyone as Perez will want them to. There is only one Barcelona! |
a guest
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... without eto though barca's attack has also changed greatly....plus ronaldo is the kinda player who doesnt greatly depend on team chemistry.......sooooo difficult one to choose....if madird have a good preseason, then they'll win i think....but i feel bad for benzema....i think he'll go the huntelaar way and soon shift to another club, same with arbeloa.... |
Pushkar
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... going to madrid is like vegas..glitz,glamour,wine but after a while u get sick of that too..soon players llike benz,ron,kaka...will realise this... |
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