Already impressive before his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the prize list of Karim Benzema recently enriched a new title of champion. The French striker (37) won the Saudi Pro League with the Al-Ittihad club, which he joined in 2023. Author of 21 goals and 9 assists in 29 matches, “KB9” proved that he was still a formidable player, to the delight of Laurent Blanc, who arrived a year ago.
The tricolor coach, who had already directed the former Madrid when he was coach of the Blues, is still amazed by the qualities of his scorer. “He remained intact. Fabuloushe recently entrusted to Parisian. He has exceptional supports. Even at his age, he retains a rare form of liveliness. He is technical, intelligent, he feels travel. But what strikes is his liveliness in the gesture. She is still there. »»
Karim Benzema won the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad. (Icon Sport)
“I would even say that he improved, with maturityhe added. As everyone knows, he has sometimes experienced weight variations. He knew how to regulate this. He is a professional at 120 or 130%. He understood that when you get older, you have to be impeccable. And above all, he has a crazy desire to play football. He wants to have fun, he wants to win. It is priceless. It was really the engine of our team this year. »»
Laurent Blanc ignites for Karim Benzema
Beyond the sporting side, the 1998 world champion appreciates Karim Benzema humanly. What he saw of him this year in Djeddah confirmed the first impression he had had in the French team. “I always liked this boy. I already enjoyed it in selection, even if we didn't know each other very well. But we had the opportunity to exchange, and I felt that we were on the same wavelength ”he explained.
And Laurent Blanc to admit that without the ex-Lyonnais, he would probably never have signed in Saudi Arabia. “Let's be honest: if he hadn't been in Al-Ittihad, I would probably not be therehe recognized. It is a little dedication that I make to him. He had difficulties of adaptation during his first season, but he had the merit of being fully involved. I think he is no stranger to the arrival of our staff. »»
