Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho Must Pick Karim Benzema as Lone Striker
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho should choose Karim Benzema to play as his lone striker over Gonzalo Higuain against Barcelona on Saturday, because the French forward gives the club the best chance to score goals.
"Both of them will not play. It will be Cristiano and Di Maria and Benzema or Higuain," Mourinho said via Soccernet.
The Frenchman gives Madrid the attacking qualities they need to take a commanding lead over Barca in the La Liga title race.
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Benzema's strength and power will help him against the physical Barcelona back four. He also has the pace and quickness to make effective runs towards goal.
In front of goal, Benzema is a class striker and would finish his chances. With all of the possession Barca will have on Saturday, Madrid must make their possession in the final third count.
Benzema has been in excellent form for Madrid this season and Mourinho has to give his young star a vote of confidence by starting him against Barca.
He is the future at striker for Madrid, and his enormous talent has not been realized yet at the Bernabeu, although this season he has proved he can be a fantastic talent under the pressure that comes with starring for Madrid.
One area where Benzema offers more skills to the Madrid attack over Higuain is with his passing ability and creativity. Benzema is certainly capable of setting up scoring chances for his teammates, and has superior ball control, even with players around him.
Benzema will not give the ball away easily, which is crucial against Barca, and he will bring an all-around skill set that allows Madrid a lot of versatility up front.
Not only has the Frenchman been a better player than Higuain this season, he has been more consistent as well. Mourinho knows Benzema will give him a good chance to beat Barca in a match that could decide the La Liga title before the new year.
If Madrid is losing the battle in the midfield, Benzema can drop a bit and try to disrupt the play of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the pitch.
Benzema has the most talent and skills to offer at striker for Real Madrid against Barcelona, and Mourinho would be smart to choose him over Higuain in a one-striker formation.
