According to a recent report by Marca, Real Madrid are considering the possibility of extending Karim Benzema’s contract until the summer of 2023. It is understood that the Galacticos are contemplating whether to offer the French striker a two-year contract extension and a pay rise following his remarkable run of form at the Spanish capital this season (via Marca).
Benzema’s Incredible Return To Form In The Spanish Top-Flight This Season
Benzema has been playing some of the best football of his career for Los Blancos during this campaign. He has put in several match-winning performances under Zinedine Zidane’s tutelage, much to the delight of the Madrid supporters.
The Lyon-born marksman has scored 11 goals and grabbed five assists in 15 matches for the La Liga giants this term across all competitions. The Frenchman is averaging 4.3 shots, 1.9 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game for Madrid on all fronts (stats via whoscored). Benzema has earned 81 international caps for the French national side while netting 27 goals for them thus far.
If he can continue with his excellent run of form for the remainder of this campaign, then he will deserve a significant pay hike at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. At the same time, Madrid would be wise to offer him a new contract now rather than wait until the summer when other top clubs might come in for Benzema.
What Are The French Forward’s Greatest Strengths?
The French centre-forward has reinvented himself and has managed to find some consistency with his performances this season. Benzema can take up some dangerous positions inside the opposition penalty box and can be an unforgiving finisher in the final third.
He excels at dribbling with the ball and can often use his incredible strength to protect the ball from the opposition. The 31-year-old also has the vision to pick out a killer pass in the attacking third of the pitch.
Should Zidane Hand Benzema A Contract Extension?
Benzema is a complete-forward so Zidane would be wise to keep him at the Bernabeu for the next few years. However, he will slow down with each season from now on so it might be risky to offer him a pay rise. However, there is no reward without risks so Zidane would be taking a calculated gamble if he decides to provide Benzema with a two-year contract extension.
