Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was tougher to play against compared to Barcelona forward Luis Suarez. The Manchester United legend has played against both players but has had more encounters with Luis Suarez when the 29-year-old was with Liverpool.
Ferdinand has faced Benzema in the Champions league a few times and explained that playing against the Frenchman was a much tougher ordeal as compared to the prolific Uruguayan.
Suarez had his best season in a Barcelona shirt. He outscored both his teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar and also beat Cristiano Ronaldo to the Pichichi award as Barcelona won the domestic double.
It was unfortunate he could not add the Champions League title as well but he has already amassed quite a few number of trophies in just two seasons with the Catalans. His Real Madrid counterpart lifted his 2nd and the club’s 11th Champions League trophy after they managed to defeat Atletico Madrid.
Suarez scored 40 goals for Barcelona this season while Benzema managed 27 which is still a very good return considering he missed a few games through injury. Together with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale the trio managed 98 goals across all competitions.
The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar also had a brilliant footballing season as they managed 131 goals across all competitions. Messi contributed 41 while Neymar managed 31 adding to Suarez’s 59.
Ferdinand who works as a Pundit for BT Sport spoke on the channel about both the forwards. “From personal experience playing against both of those players, I found it harder to play against him [Benzema],Because he was very cute, he was very efficient in all areas, off his right and left foot, his movement was cute.”
Benzema is a different type of striker to Suarez but Ferdinand explained what makes him difficult to play against. “And sometimes you don't see it glaringly, but he does cute little things that take you out of position that other players can exploit. And when he gets the ball he's got a quick trigger.”
Benzema wants to stay at Madrid
Benzema has been constantly linked with a move away from the club over the last couple of seasons, with Arsenal and Manchester United showing interest. But the Frenchman put those reports to rest by saying he wants to stay at the club.
“I am happy here and I hope to be here for many years. I thank the people in Madrid for being there for me and my family. Thanks to everybody because they are part of my life and we are going to be used to winning titles.”
