Karim Benzema is currently in his 13th season at Real Madrid. He has finished with more than 20 goals in his last three seasons. With 22 goals in only 25 league games, the Frenchman looks well on course to finish the season as his highest ever in terms of goals scored. Recently, in the Champions League second leg game against Paris Saint-Germain, Benzema showed why he is still one of the best center-forwards in the world. His hattrick against the team from Paris meant that Madrid progressed to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The following visualisation shows the numbers of Karim Benzema in the 2021/22 La Liga season comparing him with the striker from Europe’s top five leagues.

The above radar shows that the 34 year-old Karim Benzema is still one of the best center-forwards in the world and looks like he is not going to slow down anytime soon. His goals per 90 minutes of 0.91 puts him fourth highest in Europe’s top five leagues behind Erling Haaland, Patrick Schick and Robert Lewandowski. With 0.37 Assists per 90 minutes, Benzema ranks in the 98th percentile for that metric. Benzema also ranks above average for Shots per 90 minutes, Shooting Quality and Dribble Success.

Karim Benzema has stepped up big time in the last few seasons, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo moved away from Real Madrid. Benzema looks to have formed a special partnership with Vinícius Jr. and the pair are carrying Real Madrid in front of goal this season. Madrid are leading the league table by 10 points and Benzema leads the La Liga Golden Boot race. If Ancelotti’s men are to win the La Liga, they will need Karim Benzema to continue his form in front of the goal.