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Often made the scapegoat for Real Madrid's failure in the final third of the pitch, Karim Benzema has had an unusual tenure at the Bernabeu. For those who understand the kind of player he is, he's a player with unmatchable abilities. And for the remaining set, the Frenchman has been facing a barrage of criticism from the past couple of seasons.
The striker, since his arrival, has been on top of the pecking order in the Bernabeu; though, he used to be more fierce in front of the goal at that time. However, despite taking a downfall from his customary standards in front of the net, Benzema still is the man to lead Los Blancos' attack via his playmaking attributes to save the day for the LaLiga giants.
The Frenchman has been donning the infamous white shirt since making a €35 million move from Lyon in 2009. Since his arrival in the Spanish capital, the 31-year-old has scored 207 goals and set up another 119 for the Royal Whites.
With a recent brace against Espanyol, the veteran forward equalled club legend Hugo Sanchez's goal tally with 207 goals registered to his name; becoming the sixth all-time top-scorer for the Spanish giants. With Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Turin, last summer, the Frenchman is the current active top-scorer of the club.
While it is almost impossible to replicate Cristiano Ronaldo's staggering numbers in a season, Real Madrid have seen Benzema stepping up to cover for the departed Portuguese.
With 15 goals and four assists to his name, this is Benzema's best record at this point of the season, since arriving in 2009, cementing the fact that we're watching a new Benzema under Santiago Solari. The Argentine tactician trusted the Frenchman, and the latter has repaid the trust with goals.
With Vinicius Jr defying the odds each passing matchday, the French forward has benefited from the Brazilian's creativity and exceptional pace on the left flank. The mutual understanding between the two is gearing up rapidly as Benzema has picked up the right pace at the right time, with the crucial stage of the season approaching.
While strikers in the modern-day football are expected to be clinical in front of the goal, Benzema is a centre-forward of highest of orders, often seen indulging himself in the creation part along with being a top-notch finisher.
With Mariano Diaz suffering from an injury, the Frenchman remains to be the only available striker for Solari and Benzema playing with a cast to protect his injured finger, showcases his determination towards the game, and the love for the badge in front of his shirt.
With 59 career goals and 25 assists to his name in the UEFA Champions League, the French striker is one of the most experienced and lethal strikers in the European tournament.
Benzema is occupying the fourth spot in the list of all-time top-scorers in the Champions League; only behind the two extraterrestrials, and club legend, Raul Gonzalez. With the crucial UCL round of 16 ties against Ajax approaching, the rebirth of Benzema is all the positive that Solari needs, approaching the games.
"People ask a striker to score goals, but I think I am a No.9 who has the soul of a No.10.", said the veteran forward following his dominant display at the RCDE Stadium.
