What Will Happen to Benzema?

Benzema holds a newspaper reporting his move to Madrid.

Karim Benzema was one of the new transfers last season, along with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, and Kaka, when Real Madrid decided to splurge over €200 million on world-class players.  The Frenchman was flourishing at Olympique Lyonnais, the club he had played for since 2004.  Naturally, many had high expectations for him when he joined the Real Madrid squad.  

Benzema in his Lyon jersey

Unfortunately for him, once at Madrid, he struggled to reproduce his old form.  This season he has spent much of his time on the sidelines or as a substitute.  On rare occasions he has showed glimpses of his brilliance.  The most recent example came last week when he scored the only goal to give Madrid a victory over Sevilla.  He also had other good games, such as when he scored three goals against Auxerre in the Champions League and again against Levante in the Copa del Rey.  Most of the time, however, he has been inconsistent and played without confidence.  

For that reason, the coach Jose Mourinho has often left him out from the starting line-up.  This pattern won’t change in the near future from the sign of things.  In fact, Benzema’s situation will probably worsen.  

Adebayor playing for FC Arsenal

Mourinho has been asking for a solid striker for many months now, and with the recent arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor, he finally got what he asked for.  Adebayor has not made his debut yet, but he has passed his medical with flying colors, being described as a “physical marvel.”  Competition could be detrimental for Benzema.  If he fails to play at his full potential, his playing time could be limited even more.  

The future for him is uncertain, and if Adebayor manages to outshine him, then his stay at Real Madrid might be over.    

Watch a compilation of Benzema's best goals at Lyon.