4 Real Madrid players that need to step up this season

#3 Karim Benzema

The striker has been a mere shadow of himself during the past few years

Karim Benzema is also one of the Real Madrid superstars that must work hard and improve their respective performance levels this term. The Frenchman has been at Real for nine years himself, having joined from Ligue 1 side Lyon - where he quickly established himself as one of the most talented goalscoring forwards at the time.

However, it is increasingly obvious that his career has been on a decline over the past few years, with the 30-year-old struggling to replicate the same level of goal contribution he previously averaged.

With Ronaldo's departure this summer, Real need all of their attackers to step up in his absence and contribute more regularly, none more so than Benzema. Some have suggested that playing alongside Cristiano saw his freedom in the final third limited, so it'll be interesting to see how he fares without the Ballon d'Or winner alongside him moving forward. Even still, he must raise his game and improve his consistency in-front of goal to maintain a chief attacking role under new boss Julen Lopetegui.