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April 6, 2024
Karim Benzema has offered a brutally honest assessment of his time at Al-Ittihad following his move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 after a remarkable 14-year career in Spain. The French striker has faced challenges in meeting expectations in the rapidly developing Saudi Pro League despite the significant hype surrounding his arrival.
Former Premier League stars like N’Golo Kante and FaN’Golo Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in a high-profile transfer window. However, the team, managed by Marcelo Gallardo, sits 30 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal, marking a disappointing title defense after their previous season’s success.
A season, Benzema has contributed nine goals and seven assists in just 20 appearances in the Saudi Pro League—a respectable tally for many players—. Still, it’s a stark contrast to his prolific scoring rate during his tenure with Los Blancos.
In a recent interview, the 36-year-old was asked about his struggles at his new club. His response was intriguing, as he implied that his difficulties might not stem from his performance but rather from the circumstances and players around him.
The attacker signaled to his teammates for assistance.
In the interview above, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner did not die back when he suggested that his lackluster campaign could be significantly attributed to the quality gap between his current teammates and the elite players he shared a dressing room with at Real Madrid.
Benzema said: “Yes, because Al It “ihad is not the same team and the same names. I need help. I need someone to help me on the field.” In fairness, his “regular strike partner – Abderrazak Hamdallah – has scored 25 goals in all competitions at the time of writing. Nonetheless, the ex-Los Blancos attacker doubled down on his assessment as he continued to say:
“I will not bring victory alone. I need other players and several other things!”
Given the current “state of the Saudi Pro League’s finances, League’ssible that items will be added during the following summer transfer window to provide the five-time Champions League winner with the backing he deserves. At the beginning of the season, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool was frequently mentioned in connection with a transfer. What Next for Karim Benzema
With his contract at Al-Ittihad extending until 2026, Karim Benzema may contemplate a move back to Europe this summer, similar to Jordan Henderson’s decision, particularly if he finds the quality of Henderson’s League lacking. Speculation about his future surfaced after he was omitted from a match against Al-Tai earlier in the season.
Despite his age, several clubs would likely be eager to take a chance on him, recognizing his vast experience and skill. Premier League clubs and others in Europe may see an opportunity to add a player of his caliber to their squad. However, if more star players join Al-Ittihad, the legendary striker might reconsider his position and feel enthusiastic about playing alongside exceptional talent again.
Benzema’s future remains uncertain, but his status as a footbaBenzema’snsures that any decision he makes will be closely observed by both commentators and fans. As he weighs his options, the potential for a dramatic shift back to Europe could shape his legacy even further, mainly if he aims to compete at the highest level again.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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