Karim Benzema has everything it needs to win Ballon d’Or before Manchester City vs Real Madrid, says Ilkai Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundoan helped Karim Benzema win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League semi-finals with Real Madrid. Benzema is in great shape this season, scoring 39 goals and providing 13 assists in 40 games in all tournaments. He also recorded hat-trick in both the last 16 games of the Champions League and the quarter-finals, ensuring Real’s progress in Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
“For now, Benzema is the best striker in the world for me alongside [Robert] Lewandowski,” Gundoan told RT1. “He’s good on both feet and good in the air … I think he was underestimated in the past, but now he’s proving that critics are wrong. “He’s been in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo for a long time, especially in the press, but now he’s got the attention and recognition he deserves. His work speaks for itself. Benzema tells Ballon d’Or.
It has everything it needs to win. ”
Benzema joined Real from Lyon in 2009 and is enjoying his best season at the age of 34. He finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or vote last year with 239 points and is far behind Lionel Messi, who raised his seventh trophy with 613 points. However, the odds of winning the award in 2022 may have been improved by changing the criteria. In other words, players are now judged during the normal club season rather than the calendar year. Benzema’s Real Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti said, “It’s getting better every day, like wine,” after doing a hat-trick with Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. “He gives more leadership every day and feels more important to this team and this team. That makes a difference to him. He has more personality.”
Manchester City midfielder Rodri also warned of Benzema’s threat ahead of Tuesday’s match against Real in Etihad. “He’s the best moment of his career,” Rodri said on Saturday after Citi’s 51st victory over Watford.
“He understands every part of the game and scores goals, important goals.” “This guy is great in every match and not only scores goals, but also makes the team feel comfortable with the ball. Ancelotti As I say, he’s a modern football striker, so I have to admire him and all the consciousness of Real Madrid. “I’ve been playing against him for years. He’s a great player, but in terms of quality. He’s not the only one. “
Manchester City are aiming for their first Champions League title, beating Real rival Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals. Real has won 13 tournaments, including three consecutive victories from 2016 to 2018.
“This is a team that clearly has tournament experience and is waiting for a chance,” Rodri added. “That’s their best thing. They’re not constant for more than 90 minutes, but they’re always dangerous. You have to be aware of this. The first match is here, so you have to do your best. I can’t. “
After Barcelona suffered a home defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, only one point from their last five LaLiga games is really needed to win the title. If they complete the league and win the Champions League, it could be added to the reason Benzema wins Ballon d’Or in October. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held after this year’s Ballon d’Or Awards. This means that all exploits in this tournament will be reviewed the following year.
