(Football news) Real Madrid on Saturday defeated Liverpool 1-0 to become European champions for the 14th time. Los Blancos completed the European double and Karim Benzema was the main man. The Frenchman had 42 goals and 14 assists this season having won the Pichichi Trophy and the UCL top goalscorer award. He also equalled Raul to become the 2nd highest goalscorer in Real Madrid's history with only Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of him. The striker has collectively won the La Liga, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Nations League this season. The only thing left is individual accolades which are bound to come. Benzema is the frontrunner to win La Liga player of the season, UCL forward of the season and Player of the Season, FIFA The Best and the Ballon d'or.
Benzema's numbers despite being so amazing don't completely do justice to his impact on Real Madrid. He is so crucial for Real Madrid and it shows when he doesn't play. Real Madrid's 4-0 loss at the Bernabéu against Barcelona was mainly because Benzema was injured. His presence alone has an effect on the team and Madrid have no plan B when he is not available. The Frenchman is right up there with the greatest players to wear the royal white jersey of Real Madrid. Benzema may have been Real Madrid's first choice striker for over a decade but it is only now that he is getting the appreciation and recognition that he truly deserves. He has turned up in big games when it matters the most. The striker has scored against PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City, Sevilla, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid this season. At the age of 34 he is still showing no signs of slowing down and could go on for at least two more years if not more.
Talking about the Ballon d'or, Thierry jokingly said "I just wanted to say something to France Football or whoever is voting… Close the vote, Benzema won it. Bye!". If Liverpool had won the UCL then Sadio Mane would have been in the running but right now there is no one who deserves it more than Benzema. There have been a few people who have picked others. Neymar Jr insisted that fellow Brazilian Vinicius Jr deserves the award, a claim which Vinicius Jr himself is likely to disagree with. Cesc Fabregas said that even though Benzema has had a good season, Thibaut Courtois has been very crucial for Real Madrid and deserves the award. There are very few people, if any, that would dispute if Benzema is awarded the Ballon d'or because he richly deserves the accolade.
Also read: Real Madrid defy all odds to win historical European double
