A few hours before the kick-off of the Real Madrid – AC Milan match, former Madrid striker Karim Benzema has broken his silence to discuss some of the team’s difficulties.
Real Madrid is drawing a lot of reactions. Struggling to create play and especially to win games comfortably since the beginning of the season, Carlo Ancelotti’s team has generated much ink. While some point to defensive issues caused by instability due to injuries and the poor form of certain key players, others blame Kylian Mbappé. Seen as the key factor disrupting the team’s organisation this season, the French forward has received a few pieces of advice from Karim Benzema to get back on track.
A leadership issue?
In an extended interview with El Chiringuito TV, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner emphasises that the team needs a lot of freedom to produce their best performances. Subtly, KB9 criticised Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, which often involve repositioning players in roles that don’t quite fit them. In the discussion with Edu Aguirre from the popular show hosted by Josep Pedrerol, Karim Benzema also raised the issue of the current youthfulness of the Madrid team.
According to the man with 648 matches (scoring 354 goals) for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2023, the current squad lacks leadership. “Does Real Madrid lack leaders? It’s complicated because they are all very young. There are a lot of matches at Madrid, and only Luka Modrić is there, but he doesn’t play every game,” noted the forward, who now plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Who can take on the leadership role?
It must be said that last season, the presence of Toni Kroos and Nacho, who played nearly every match, added a lot of experience to the team. With the departure of these veterans, along with Joselu, an experienced centre-forward who brought a lot to the attack, Real has lost a great deal. This season, Dani Carvajal will also be absent during crucial moments following his serious knee injury.
Today, players like Federico Valverde or Antonio Rüdiger could step into the role of team leader in Luka Modrić’s absence. In any case, Benzema has touched on a sensitive issue: the need for one, two or even three major figures to provide guidance, calm, and a voice when needed. It’s up to Carlo Ancelotti and his staff to find players capable of leading the team.
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