Real Madrid News
PSG defender praises Benzema: ’He is difficult to defend against because he is intelligent’
Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid’s best player by a mile over the past few years. Despite the ageing core and rapidly changing environment in the team, the Frenchman has delivered world-class performances week in and week out.
Unsurprisingly, Los Blancos’ slump in form coincides with Benzema’s injury. Though initially thought of as a small niggle, the French international’s recovery has not progressed well. This has put his participation in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 into doubt.
Ahead of their clash against the men in white, PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe has had only praise for Benzema and his role at Real Madrid. Speaking about playing against the striker, Kimpembe confessed that it was a difficult task (h/t UEFA).
“For me it’s difficult to defend on Benzema because he’s very intelligent in his movements, with his touches, he always avoids duels. He is a player who anticipates what is going to happen.”
He then revealed the protocol one must follow to successfully defend against Benzema and explained why it was difficult.
“To defend players like him, you have to anticipate or be on top of him as soon as he touches the ball. He has a very good vision of the game and he also knows his opponents well. He is a world-class striker, so it will not be easy to stop him.”
Benzema has travelled with Real Madrid to Paris. He feels he is ready and his body is well. The final decision will lie with Carlo Ancelotti, who well knows the risks of hurrying the player from his injury.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
