Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid manager hails Karim Benzema: “Worthy of the best player award”
Speaking at a press conference during a ceremony in Alicante (h/t Diario AS), former Real Madrid and Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has hailed Karim Benzema, claiming that his Ballon d’Or victory was well-deserved.
Benzema became just the second player to win the Ballon d’Or apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the past 15 years, following in the footsteps of Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric.
The 34-year-old enjoyed a stunning 2021/22 campaign when he led Los Blancos to the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The French international had been the favourite to lift the Golden Orb and was handed the award this past Monday, by none other than former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
The Real Madrid legend hailed his compatriot as one of the best strikers France had ever produced.
Now, another former Los Blancos boss has joined in to praise the 34-year-old striker, as he said: “Karim is worthy of the best player award.”
The ongoing campaign has been a bit up and down for Benzema as he went through a lean period and had an injury to deal with as well.
But the striker is looking like getting back to his best in the last two matches. Indeed, the French international was on target for Real Madrid against Barcelona in El Clasico and followed it up with another goal versus Elche on Wednesday.
In all, Benzema has scored six goals and set up one more in 11 matches across all competitions in 2022/23.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid continue to maintain interest in Arsenal midfielder as future comes into question – report
Real Madrid have maintained their interest in Martin Zubimendi, with the Arsenal midfielder’s current situation potentially opening the door to a January transfer, according to a report from TeamTalk.
Zubimendi’s position at Arsenal has become more complicated as competition for midfield places has increased.
The Spain international lost his place towards the end of last season to Myles Lewis-Skelly, and that selection pattern has continued into the opening weeks of the new campaign.
The summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has added another major obstacle, meaning Arsenal now have greater depth in midfield, leaving Zubimendi facing a significant battle to secure consistent minutes.
That situation has already prompted a conversation between the midfielder and Mikel Arteta.
As per the outlet, the Arsenal manager remains a major admirer of Zubimendi and has reassured him that he will have an important role this season.
Ultimately, though, the number and significance of those appearances could determine what happens next.
Real Madrid and Chelsea keep Zubimendi interest alive
Zubimendi did not push for an exit during the summer despite strong interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, who monitored his situation closely, making enquiries and holding discussions with his representatives.
Arsenal were determined to keep the midfielder, resisting approaches because they wanted to preserve the depth and quality available to Arteta.
That stance has not changed the interest from the two clubs. In fact, the outlet states that both Real Madrid and Chelsea remain huge admirers of Zubimendi and have maintained contact over his circumstances.
Zubimendi faces crucial months at Arsenal
The immediate priority for Zubimendi is to earn a regular place in Arteta’s midfield.
The Arsenal manager’s confidence in him means an immediate departure is far from certain, but assurances over playing time will ultimately need to be matched by opportunities on the pitch.
Zubimendi’s situation is one worth watching because Arsenal have little reason to weaken their squad voluntarily.
The midfielder’s future is therefore likely to depend more on his own playing time than on the club actively seeking a transfer.
What happens now?
For Real Madrid, his situation could become particularly interesting if their midfield requires another established option.
Zubimendi’s status as a Spain international and his experience make him an obvious player to monitor.
January may offer a clearer picture, but the decisive period will come before then.
If Zubimendi begins playing regularly, Arsenal’s position should strengthen. If his minutes remain limited, Real Madrid could have a much more serious opportunity.
