Why Karim Benzema Is the Forward PSG Need to Aid Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Starting his career at Olympique Lyonnais as a prodigious youth talent in 1996, Karim Benzema played at Lyon, in their various tiers, for 14 years. After five top-flight seasons in Ligue 1—directly creating 82 goals in 133 appearances—the French international secured a £25 million move to Real Madrid, arguably the world's foremost footballing institution.
From 2009/10 to 2014/15, Benzema has been largely successful at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite residing forever in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo's magnificence, the Frenchman has made 220 goals in just over 280 matches, winning four major pieces of silverware—including the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti has left the Spanish capital, and with Rafa Benitez taking his place as Real Madrid manager, no stone has been left unturned as the former Napoli boss searches for a winning combination.
One of the first reports concerning the Spaniard's tactics was—as noted by the Daily Mail's Adam Shergold—Cristiano Ronaldo being deployed as a centre-forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The "BBC," consisting of Benzema centrally with Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the wings has been a staple of the past two seasons under Ancelotti, but the French centre-forward is not exactly an attacking midfielder.
According to the 27-year-old's agent, taken last month from Jack Bezants of the Daily Mail: "Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements."
So might Benitez's appointment upset the proverbial applecart?
If Ronaldo is indeed Madrid's "No. 9" for the upcoming season—playing as a lone centre-forward—it seems in Benzema's best interest to look elsewhere.
Linked with the Premier League (Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United specifically) via the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson, a more pertinent option exists for the French international—one which probably requires his services.
Paris Saint-Germain have been attempting to figure out the Zlatan Ibrahimovic puzzle for the past three seasons. His larger-than-life aura renders customary centre-forwards (i.e. Edinson Cavani) to wide roles and Laurent Blanc seems unwilling (or unable) to devise a system better suited to his striking talent.
Ibrahimovic has never played longer than three seasons (plus four games) at the same club, making the 2015/16 season Zlatan's longest stint at any destination. Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan over 14 seasons saw differing versions of the now-33-year-old, but he has produced his best work in Paris.
The Swedish international's best, however, has only bred domestic trophies; with the embarrassment of riches PSG have—relative to their French counterparts—this success is largely expected, and therefore less impressive. For the three-time defending Ligue 1 champions, the barometer for success is not in France, but the Champions League.
Entering the last year of his contract, Ibrahimovic might have one more season left to fill the only glaring absence from his trophy cabinet, which just so happens to coincide with Paris Saint-Germain.
An argument could be made the best of Ibra has passed and, having never won the Champions League during his numerous pit stops around Europe, Zlatan may not be the footballer to carry a club to European glory. Regardless of the sentiment's veracity, those in power might consider it nonetheless—as the notion cannot be disproven.
Ibrahimovic unquestionably has the talent to deliver Paris Saint-Germain's holy grail, but needs assistance in bringing the dream to fruition.
Were one to poll PSG supporters, Benzema—though a Champions League winner and French international—would probably be second choice to another Olympique Lyonnais product.
Alexandre Lacazette, the free-scoring 24-year-old, is a highly coveted commodity this summer. James Cambridge of the Daily Express posits the Lyon born-and-breed footballer is rated at £21 million, with Arsenal and Chelsea listed as heavy contenders for his signature.
Were Ibrahimovic five years younger, and had a few seasons to bring the younger centre-forward up to speed in the Champions League, Lacazette would be a perfect candidate to work with—but the 33-year-old Swede is running out of the most precious commodity on planet Earth—time.
Paris Saint-Germain—were they in the summer transfer market for another centre-forward—must give Ibrahimovic a plug-and-play strike partner.
One possessing experience, both domestically and continentally, and who has been in deep European waters. Possibly being pushed out of Real Madrid, Benzema is the perfect compliment to football's ageing Superman.
Provided Lacazette stays at Lyon in 2015/16, he could serve as Ibrahimovic's replacement come next summer's transfer window—but finding Zlatan immediate help means buying a proven partner who can maintain PSG's Ligue 1 stranglehold, whilst adding an extra dimension in the Champions League.
Ticking all the boxes, Benzema is the forward Paris Saint-Germain need, but whether the French champions can pry him from Spain, or whether the 27-year-old would even entertain starting a Parisian adventure, can only be accurately answered by the summer's end.
*Stats via WhoScored; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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