Benzema rediscovers cutting edge after injury-hit start at Al-Ittihad | OneFootball

After an injury-hit start at Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema rediscovered his touch and efficiency before the late November Saudi break.

According to L'Équipe, he scored six goals in three games across eight days before the pause.

Doubts linger over a centre-forward nearing 38 and over two years in Saudi Arabia, yet Benzema appears to defy them. He has overhauled his regimen, extra gym work, measured nutrition and sleep keep him sharp.

He admits his first season was very average, then last term delivered 21 goals and nine assists in 29 SPL matches, leading Al-Ittihad to a league and cup double.

This season they are eight points off the podium after nine rounds, into the King Cup semi-finals and still chasing the next stage in the Asian Cup. He must drive the team upward amid stronger competition.

Team-mate Fabinho considers him a difference-maker, creator and scorer, and still the leading French number nine, noting the heat rarely seems to touch him.

Broadcaster Zack Nani says he opened with a hat-trick, then niggles and a coaching change disrupted him. He cites the 1-2 loss to Al-Nassr on 19 August, when Benzema fashioned chances by dropping deep, and argues the Fabinho-Kanté-Aouar midfield is short of last season’s level. Laurent Blanc was replaced by Sergio Conceiçao two months ago.

Beyond his relationship with Didier Deschamps, he must now sustain this form, attract interest with his deal up in June, and remain a reliable option for France next summer. The road is long and injuries must be avoided, but nothing is ruled out.

Source: L'Équipe