5 replacements for Karim Benzema at Real Madrid

Athletic Club v Real Madrid - La Liga
The end is nigh?

Real Madrid currently look like they can't even come close to mounting a challenge for the La Liga title as they sit in 4th position, 16 points behind league-leaders Barcelona. The Catalans have also been pretty active in the transfer market, which has sort of compounded the woes of Los Blancos.

Barcelona finally secured their long-term target Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool and the Blaugrana look even more devastating after his addition.

So, Real Madrid must now break their silence and look to bring players in to ensure the season isn't a complete failure. Of the many problems haunting Real this season, the absence of a clinical goal-scorer is one. Karim Benzema hasn't been in his elements for quite a while, so the need to add a striker is imperative.

Let's have a look at the players who Los Blancos can consider as a replacement for Karim Benzema:


#5 Andre Silva

AC Milan v KF Shkendija 79 - UEFA Europa League Qualifying Play-Offs Round: First Leg
With better players, Silva could be a hit at Real Madrid

The 22-year old Portugal international is also a decent option considering the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo himself wants him at Real Madrid. Silva was prolific at Porto last season but his big move to AC Milan has turned out to be a poor decision. But he is only 22 and his performances at his previous club show that the man has that genuine eye for goal.

He partnered Ronaldo for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and even led the attack in his absence. Silva's performances for Portugal has been commendable and his understanding with Ronaldo can be a vital reason why the Los Blancos should definitely consider him as an option.

He has struggled to find his feet in Serie A and has lost his place to Nikola Kalinic, who joined Milan from Fiorentina this season. AC Milan, though, have failed collectively as a team which has shackled Silva's ability.

Silva showed what he is capable of when he was at Porto last season; the 22-year old scored 16 goals in 32 league appearances along with 6 assists while playing for the Dragons. So, for his age, he might be a gamble, but wasn't Benzema one as well? The Frenchman was signed from the French League which wasn't the most competitive at the time. Perhaps Silva can follow a similar career trajectory!

#4 Mauro Icardi

FC Internazionale v AC Milan - Serie A
FC Internazionale v AC Milan - Serie A

The Nerazzurri captain has been one of the best forwards in recent time. His performances have attracted suitors from all over the world.

The Argentine centre-forward has been spearheading the Inter attack for some years now. He has scored 18 goals in 20 matches in the league this season. Teams like Manchester United and Chelsea were linked with the 24-year old forward but Inter managed to stand firm. But with reports suggesting that Real Madrid have kept close tabs on Icardi, he might finally move.

Icardi has had his fair share of ups and downs in his career but amidst all that, he emerged as a driving force for the side. Inter are currently third in the league with Napoli and Juventus ahead of them. Though they are likely to return to the Champions League, a move to Real could tempt the Inter captain.

#3 Timo Werner

AS Monaco v RB Leipzig - UEFA Champions League
Werner is Germany's best forward right now

The 21-year old German forward is certainly a bright prospect. Already showing his mettle at Leipzig in the Bundesliga and also for Germany in Confederations Cup, he has scored 8 goals in 15 league matches. His lightning pace and movement add to his primary capability which is goalscoring.

After developing well at Stuttgart where he played as a winger, Werner has done well in his new role of leading the line. His goals last season were key as Leipzig made it to the Champions League for the first time in their history.

He is often compared with the great German forward Miroslav Klose as he has some similarities with the German legend. At the age of 21, Werner has achieved a lot and he knows that he must keep up the good work.

#2 Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang

Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Europa League Round of 16: Second Leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund

Having termed Real Madrid as his 'dream club' when he was strongly linked with the Los Blancos, now is perhaps the best time for Aubamenyang to move as he is at the peak of his prowess. In fact, in his so-called poor run of form, he is still among the top goalscorers in Bundesliga.

The Dortmund forward has scored 13 goals in Bundesliga and 21 in all competitions this season. He may not be having his best season out there in the Bundesliga but a 102 minute per goal ratio is still encouraging and speaks volume about his ability.

Borussia Dortmund have had a season to forget this time as they are currently in 3rd position behind Schalke and leaders Bayern. After being ousted from the Champions League, things are not looking good for the club. But amidst all this, there is absolutely no doubt in Aubameyang's attacking abilities and what he brings to the table. So Real Madrid must rethink this option again as Aubameyang is too good a player to end up in the Chinese League.

#1 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Wimbledon - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round
The best forward in the world

The 24-year old Englishman is currently the best striker in the world. Kane has scored 18 goals in 21 matches in the Premier League. The forward managed to score the highest number of goals in the calendar year 2017 as he banged in a whopping 57 goals, beating Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in the process.

His consistent performances for Tottenham have proven that this man is tailormade for a club like Real Madrid where he will get more service from the players and can increase the goalscoring prowess which he already possesses.

Kane has been linked with Real for some time now but the move hasn't materialised. His addition to the Los Blancos will change the whole complexion of the team, as he will provide a lot going forward. He has all the abilities to replace Karim Benzema and looking at the league table, Real will hope that they can quickly wrap up this deal and bring Kane to Santiago Bernabeu.

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Edited by Amit Mishra
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