On the afternoon of June 4, 2023, Real Madrid made an official announcement that their star player, Karim Benzema, would be departing the club at the end of the season.
This marked the end of a remarkable 14-year career for the French striker with Real Madrid.
His departure also signaled the conclusion of an era, as all three members of the iconic BBC combination - Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo - had now left the team.
Karim Benzema's journey at Real Madrid began in the summer of 2009 when he joined alongside footballing superstars such as Kaka, Xabi Alonso, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema's arrival was less conspicuous than the other high-profile signings, but this quiet start foreshadowed his enduring legacy at the club.
Initially, he had to compete for the starting position with Gonzalo Higuain and often played as a substitute. In 2013, with Higuain transferring to Napoli and Gareth Bale's arrival, the BBC combination of Benzema, Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo was formed, creating one of the most formidable attacking trios in football history.
The 2022-2023 season saw Benzema battling injuries that affected his goal-scoring rate. Despite this setback, he managed to score 30 goals. However, Real Madrid faced consecutive defeats in La Liga and the Champions League, prompting discussions about extending Benzema's contract for one more year.
At this juncture, Jeddah United, fresh off winning the Saudi League Championship, offered Benzema an astonishing 100 million euros per year contract. Given his age of 35, this opportunity represented Benzema's last chance to secure a high salary in his career. Benzema and Real Madrid announced their parting of ways with Ancelotti and Florentino's blessing and clear intentions.
Benzema's undeniable skills and goal-scoring abilities have established him as a world-class striker, earning numerous accolades during his Real Madrid tenure. However, Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager then, raised concerns about Benzema's lack of pressure on opponents during matches, which could adversely impact the team's defense and overall teamwork.
Applying pressure in football is a fundamental aspect of the game, forcing opponents into making mistakes, diminishing their attacking threat, and creating opportunities for teammates.
It also contributes to improved possession and leadership in the field. Nuno's criticism was intended as a motivational tool to highlight Benzema's areas for improvement and inspire him to elevate his performance.
As a top-tier player, Benzema's duty extends beyond scoring goals; he must also put pressure on his adversaries.
By adopting an aggressive running style, pressing opponents, and actively participating in defensive organization, Benzema can enhance his game and, in turn, elevate the team's performance.
Nuno's critique was rooted in a desire for team development and Benzema's personal growth. Every player, including the striker, in a football squad, must contribute defensively. Applying pressure is one of the key responsibilities of a forward, enhancing not only the team's defense but also the conditions for a successful offense.
Nuno's constructive criticism of Benzema aimed to unlock his untapped potential and encourage him to focus on pressuring opponents during matches. With his exceptional talent and willingness to improve in this aspect, Benzema could continue to be an invaluable asset to any team he represents, ultimately contributing to the collective success of his teammates.
