Ronaldo exit turned Benzema into Real Madrid’s leader, claims Aitor Karanka

The former Real Madrid coach believes the French star has improved his leadership qualities since Ronaldo’s departure.

Karim Benzema has been consistently delivering world-class performances for Real Madrid lately. The French star scored a sensational hat-trick to complete Real Madrid’s Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

However, scoring goals is not the only thing that Benzema has brought to the Blancos squad recently. The French star constantly communicates with his teammates on the pitch, leading the team’s entire attacking unit.

In an interview with Mirror, former Real Madrid coach Aitor Karanka explains how Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid affected Benzema’s career.

He said: “I think Karim definitely can win the Ballon d’Or because of what he has achieved and continues to achieve at Real Madrid. He has almost scored more goals than anyone else.“

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He added: “Karim is a real character. He is a little bit shy and sometimes you do not realise that he is there. He will be thinking of himself, but not in a selfish way, but in terms of how he can improve. He was criticised a lot when he was young that he did not score enough goals and he had a lot of pressure – plus he was playing alongside Cristiano.

“The key moment for Karim was when Cristiano left. His body language can fool you when you do not know him. But, I knew that he would replace Cristiano as the leader of that team. He has aged like a fine wine. His presence alone on the pitch is important for his teammates and he can win any individual award.”

Benzema finished fourth in the 2021 Ballon d’Or, sitting behind Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Jorginho. However, his performances this season might increase his chances of winning the prestigious award.

Having suffered an injury, Benzema misses Real Madrid’s upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday. According to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti he will not join France during the international break, preparing to return against Celta Vigo on April 2.