Last season, Karim Benzema simply failed to produce enough on the pitch to be worth the €35 million fee Madrid paid for him (not that he was the only one)
To make matters worse, Benzema who constantly rode the bench for France under the often incomprehensible coaching of Raymond Domenech, was shocked to learn that he was not even on the squad to travel to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This season will be a great opportunity for Benzema to have a breakout year for club and country, and if he plays well enough he could earn himself a great deal of time on the pitch.
After dropping many of the players responsible for the French Fiasco of South Africa 2010, especially those responsible for the team’s practice strike, new France coach Laurent Blanc has recalled Benzema to the national side for a friendly against Norway. Two players missing are internationally retired Thierry Henry, and the sent-home from Africa Nicolas Anelka. Should Benzema perform well in Norway (Aug. 11) he could very well secure a firm place in the mind of Blanc for what he can do, which would be a great addition to the place secured for what he did not do, which was be in South Africa this summer.
Benzema’s chance to shine exists at Real Madrid as well. With Raúl gone, Benzema will most likely be battling youngster Sergio Canales for a spot, should coach José Mourihno chose to keep 2 up front this season. Benzema showed that he is a team player even with a teammate competing for the same spot by passing the ball to Canales rather than shooting himself, setting up the youngster for a goal in Real’s 3-2 victory over Mexican Club América. Benzema must have already done something right, because he seems to have gotten in front of Gonzalo Higuaín in the fight for the vacated “9” jersey (yes, unfortunately it’s true, Cristiano Ronaldo now wears “7” rather than “9,” at least he did), which Hinguaín has already expressed his desire to acquire.
Karim Benzema has the chance this season to rejuvenate his career after last season’s hiccup. If he can take the initiative and grab the bull by the horns from the outset he could once again be seen as a star on the rise.
