"Play bad for 90 minutes, score a goal and get called MOTM" - When Real Madrid legend Benzema critiqued current state of football

Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema criticized modern football in 2023, claiming that the game prioritizes goals and assists over holistic performances. The 36-year-old striker is one of the most decorated players of his generation and currently plies his trade for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

Benzema started his career with Olympique Lyon in his native France, coming through their youth ranks to make 148 appearances for the French giants and bagging 66 goals and 27 assists. He joined Los Blancos in 2009 for a reported €35 million fee and made 648 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 354 goals and providing 165 assists, the second-most for the club.

During an interview in 2023, the Frenchman discussed the recent trends he noticed in football. He said (via Madrid Universal on X):

"Football has become a game where players can play bad for 90 minutes, score a goal & get called Man of the Match and get the spotlight. I don’t want to be that kind of a player."

Benzema is fondly remembered for his stint with Real Madrid, where he won the Ballon d'Or, five UEFA Champions League titles, and four LaLiga crowns.

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"One of the two will choose who is in the best condition to take the penalty" - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti weighs in on penalty debate

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has weighed in on the club's penalty-taker debate ahead of his side's clash with Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, December 4. The Los Blancos squad has three accomplished penalty takers - Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.

With Vinicius Jr. out injured, Mbappe stepped up when Real Madrid were awarded a spot-kick against Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield. However, the Frenchman missed the penalty as Los Blancos suffered a 2-0 loss.

In their LaLiga game against Getafe at the weekend, Carlo Ancelotti's men were awarded another penalty, but Mbappe handed the opportunity to Jude Bellingham, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

Ancelotti believes that there is nothing to worry about with the switch-up, telling the press (via Managing Madrid):

“Tomorrow they will both choose, Bellingham or Mbappé. One of the two will choose who is in the best condition to take the penalty. I think this is not a matter of debate. There are two sides. Mbappé’s action in the penalty with Getafe was an action that someone can see as an insecurity, but we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism and these are two aspects for us very important. The altruism of a great talent like Mbappé is an act that we value very much.”

Real Madrid are four points behind league leaders and eternal rivals Barcelona with two games in hand.