City need to beware Benzema

City need

to beware

Benzema

By Mark Gleeson

Karim Benzema is a leading candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or after a successful international return with the French national team and a stream of goals for Real Madrid.

He has 26 LaLiga goals this season for Real, who clinched the title at the weekend, and 14 in Champions League. He will be a vital cog for Real tomorrow night, when they host Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, looking to overcome a one-goal deficit from last week’s crazy first leg in England.

Benzema brings several key elements to the game. The Frenchman is exceptional in the air - just look at his headed goals away to Chelsea last month. The first was all about power and direction, and the second was extraordinary - a long, looping header back across the goalkeeper from a right-wing cross.

He also finds the target with flicked headers and comes across defenders at the near post. He leads the line brilliantly and lets opponents know that he is around.

Younger and faster players often accompany him in a Real attack and his physical presence helps them. While not blisteringly fast, he will draw the lion’s share of attention from the City defenders in what should be another thrilling game.