Much more to Benzema than just goals – Zidane

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane commended an inspirational display from Karim Benzema in Wednesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Leganes, highlighting how the forward offers much more than just goals.

Benzema has enjoyed a fine start to the season, picking up where he left off last term and he took his tally to seven in LaLiga against Leganes.

But that goal – a second-half penalty – was only part of the story, as the Frenchman set up Rodrygo Goes and then Toni Kroos in the first eight minutes.

As such, he moved on to 10 goal involvements for the season, more than any other player in LaLiga and Zidane was unsurprisingly delighted.

“Karim as always, doesn’t change much,” Zidane told reporters. “It’s important that he scores because he needs that as the number nine of Madrid.

“But he contributes much more than goals and does better for others. I am happy with his performance.”

 Luka Jović is absolutely beaming after scoring his first goal in a Real Madrid shirt!
 “I’m very happy! Hala Madrid!”#RMLiga | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/jrDN7fUk14

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 30, 2019

Luka Jovic rounded off the scoring late on with his first goal for the club in 10 matches, heading in from Dani Carvajal’s cross.

Zidane was pleased for him after a difficult start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, while he also applauded Rodrygo’s improvement.

“The truth is I am happy for both of them,” Zidane added. “Rodrygo has personality and is getting better in the team.

“And Luka is happy because he needed that [goal] and, although he does not play much, it’s important [to make an impact] when he has minutes replacing Karim.”