Now in his fifth year in Spain, the Real Madrid striker did not have the greatest start to his career at Los Blancos, playing second fiddle to Argentinean forward Gonzalo Higuain. Yet he has come into his own this season following the departure of Higuain, scoring 24 goals in Real’s impressive run this year.
An out-and-out striker, Benzema is powerful and strong on the ball, with a sharp eye for goal. Comfortable with both feet, the centre-forward is known for his technical ability and pacey runs, both with and without the ball. A potent finisher, he is a strong header of the ball as well, while also often drifting out wide to create space for himself to deliver a defence-splitting pass into the box.
The Algerian-born centre-forward made his senior debut for France in 2007, yet has not been as prolific for his country as at club level. In their qualifying campaign for this year’s World Cup, Benzema featured in nine out of France’s ten qualifiers, yet scored just twice. Benzema will definitely look to improve upon his below-par tally of a goal in every three games for his country, yet will be encouraged by his potent club form this season to prove his worth in Brazil.
"He must play like he can do and does at Real Madrid. You know Karim; when he scores he is very happy.
"I just want him to be himself. When he is at the peak of his abilities, of course he is a player who pulls the whole team up."