Zinedine Zidane's Impact on Real Madrid: Benzema's Assist Statistics in Saudi Arabia
### Zinedine Zidane's Impact on Real Madrid: Benzema's Assist Statistics in Saudi Arabia
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French manager of Real Madrid, has been a pivotal figure in the club's success since his arrival in 2002. His ability to inspire a team under pressure, manage his team's attacking and defensive capabilities, and ensure long-term success has left an indelible mark on the footballing world. Among the many highlightnotes of Zidane's reign, one of the most significant is his influence on Benzema, a Spanish international who has become a cornerstone of Madrid's attack.
Benzema's role in Saudi Arabia has been a prime example of Zidane's influence. While Benzema has been a dominant fixture in international football, his playstyle and assist statistics have often been overshadowed by French players. In Saudi Arabia, Benzema has been used by Zidane's team, and his assist numbers have been a subject of debate.
In 2019, Zidane's team made history when Benzema captivated the world with his assist count, leading Madrid to a 2-1 victory over Barcelona. Benzema, known for his clinical nature and ability to break down defenses, was praised for his assist work, which often led to his own goal or a chance to take advantage of an attacker. However,Saudi Pro League Focus this success was not without criticism, as some argued that Benzema's tendency to assist too much was a red flag for French coaches.
In 2020, Madrid's performance against Barcelona was even more dramatic. Benzema continued to play a crucial role, leading to a 3-0 victory. His assist count was again high, with Benzema providing the majority of the assist work. However, some analysts suggested that this was a sign of over-influence, as French players were increasingly expected to dominate the attacking game.
Zidane's team, Real Madrid, has since come under scrutiny for using Benzema in this way. While Benzema's assist numbers have improved in recent years, some argue that the style of play has shifted too far from his previous, clinical approach.
In conclusion, Zinedine Zidane's impact on Real Madrid has been profound, particularly through Benzema's contributions. However, the team's reliance on French players has sometimes led to a loss of their unique style of play. While Benzema's assist numbers have improved, the club remains committed to maintaining a high level of influence by drawing on both French and Spanish players.