‘Benzema is the best number 9 on the planet’

“Benzema used to be Real’s talisman. Now he is the leader and completely out of Ronaldo’s shadow. He’s the best number 9 on the planet for me. Robert Lewandowski is a great striker. So is Kane. But Benzema’s form at the moment is on another level“, commented Ferdinand after the match Real won Chelsea 3-1 to dawn 7/4 (Hanoi time).

“Benzema is influencing many roles in a game, not only scoring goals, creating assists but also organizing the play and controlling the beat. It sounds like a conductor but Benzema is number 9 who has scored 37 goals this season this,” said Ferdinand.

Former MU midfielder said he would be surprised if Benzema did not finish first in next year’s Ballon d’Or race.

At Stamford Bridge, Benzema’s hat-trick helped Real dominate in the quarter-finals Champions League 2021/22. In two consecutive knock-out matches, the French player scored hat-tricks.

Two former England players, Joe Cole and Steve McManaman, also praised Benzema.

Cole commented: “The way Benzema makes decisions, stays calm and uses technique is right. Benzema doesn’t have goals like the 3rd time against Chelsea at the age of 21. He is perfecting his skill in the process. five months”.

“Benzema knows what the weak points of defenders are. The most valuable thing in Benzema right now is experience. It feels like every time Benzema plays this season, the goal will come. Benzema’s average score of one goal/game can only be described with great words“, McManaman praised.

Benzema’s hat-trick was scored in the 21st, 24th and 46th minutes. With the third goal, Benzema punished Edouard Mendy after the Senegal goalkeeper made a disastrous pass in front of the penalty area.

WhoScored rating 9.2 points for Benzema’s performance in the quarter-final first leg of this season’s Champions League.