As Benzema flounders, Morata flourishes
Karim Benzema, who will be 29 on 19 December, arrived at Madrid in the summer of 2009. At 21-years old, he landed as a great European promise wanted by both Manchester United and Barcelona. Florentino brought him into a luxury pack, led by Cristiano (€96m) and Kaká (€67m).
"Acceptable" amount of goals
Benzema was signed for €35m, which was considered as a good investment for the future. As the years have passed, he’s given us an acceptable amount of goals and some brilliant performances, especially against Barça in Los Clásicos.
However, performances in cup finals have resisted him: he’s played two in the Champions League, one in the Copa de Rey in 2014 (Mourinho didn’t even pick him in 2011), two in the UEFA SuperCup, and one in the World Club Cup. His record: zero goals!
Place in team now questionable
Since he arrived in 2009, he’s played alongside forwards such as Van Nistelrooy, Raúl, Higuaín (sold for €90m to Juve in the summer), Morata and Chicharito (now triumphing in Germany). The club has always given confidence and continuity to Karim – something that was denied to others. His qualities are unquestionable (he’s very good!), however what is questionable is that his place in the team has become undisputed, even when his stats don’t stand up for him. This is the current case of Karim Benzema.
Morata here to stay
Álvaro Morata, on the other hand, is vindicating himself with good football, commitment, and goals. At 24, the reserve striker has finally broken through and is here to stay.