Benzema is currently enjoying what is arguably his best season at Madrid, scoring 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Benzema is a more perfect player than Henry
Karim Benzema is a “more perfect” player than Thierry Henry was, according to Sydney Govou, who praised the Real Madrid striker as a “real leader.” Benzema is currently enjoying what is arguably his best season at Madrid. He scored 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side. Of those efforts, 21 came to LaLiga, as Blancos picked up their 34th title last week after a 2-1 win over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Benzema narrowly missed the coveted Pichichi top scorer in the league. With Lionel Messi grabbing the prize for a record seventh time after scoring 25 goals for Barcelona. The Frenchman moved up to fifth in the Madrid rankings at the start of the season and now has 248 shots to his name out of 512 appearances for the club in total.
Karim is smaller and less athletic than Thierry Henry
He certainly justified every penny of the €30 million (£27 million/$34 million). It cost Blancos to land him away from Lyon in 2009. With Govou glad to see his old team-mate progress in the Spanish capital. The former Lyon striker believes Benzema has surpassed French legend Henry as a more accomplished all-around player, as he told reporters: “I think he’s pretty much Thierry’s level. Thierry impressed me very much because he was a fast player, but he had the ball. But Karim is more complete. He also has a kind of presence because he is smaller and less athletic. Karim has always been a top player. If you love football, it’s impossible not to love him”. Asked to rate Benzema’s last season at the Bernabeu, Govou replied, “I am not surprised. I always thought he was one of the best European strikers.
“He had a little difficulty at the start of Real Madrid because he had to win. But over the years, he has acquired an incredible dimension. And a few more after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. He has new responsibilities. He is a real leader. Benzema and the rest of Madrid are now awaiting a Champions League restart next month as they continue their pursuit of the 14th European crown. Zidane’s squad will have to reverse a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium to advance to this season’s quarter-finals. Which will be played in a direct knockout format.