There is a tradition at Real Madrid: the hierarchy of captains is based on seniority.
Behind Sergio Ramos (2005) and Marcelo (2007), Karim Benzema (2009) is the dean of Casa Blanca.
In addition to being a locker room executive brought to wear the armband, the former Lyonnais is essential on the lawn.
Last Saturday, he scored twice at the end of the match to save Real against Elche (2-1).
A week earlier, he had equalized late in the derby against Atlético de Madrid (1-1).
"I have no savior costume, refuted Benzema on Monday at a press conference.
We are a team.
I play at a position where I am the one who must complete the actions.
So much the better if I can help my team. "
The legend of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid
The French striker, who arrived at Real at the same time as Cristiano Ronaldo, has long been in the service - and in the shadow - of the Portuguese.
Since the departure of "CR7" in the summer of 2018, Benzema has concentrated the weight of the Madrid attack, proof of this are his 21 goals in La Liga last season and the one before.
Despite his 33 years, would Benzema be at the best level of his career?
“My age does not change anything, swept Benzema.
Today, we see a lot of players playing in big clubs at a very high level up to 30, 34, even 39 years old.
I am prepared for this.
And I will continue like this. "
Continue ... to Real Madrid?
"I have a contract until 2022, but my door remains open: if the president (Florentino Pérez) wants to extend me, I'm here", skilfully slipped Benzema, who did not exclude last year from "coming back in Lyon ”to end his career there.
For now, Benzema is at Real, and Zinédine Zidane is delighted.
With an Eden Hazard subscribed to the infirmary, the French coach relies on his star striker to maintain the hope of a La Liga title despite being six points behind Atlético.
But before rethinking the championship, there is Atalanta on the way to Merengue, this Tuesday in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
"We play every three days, there is a lot of pressure ... So it's difficult, but we are still there, and we continue our way," said Benzema.
Real had won the first leg in Italy 3 weeks ago (0-1).
And therefore will not, a priori, need Benzema to come to its aid.
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