Arsene Wenger has provided an expert breakdown of Karim Benzema's game, saying his weight loss is key to his remarkable Real Madrid form.
Benzema continued his ultra-prolific ways this season as he scored his side's winning goal against Manchester City on Wednesday.
He converted a penalty to secure a stunning comeback to book their spot in the Champions League final against Liverpool.
Advert
Benzema was the topic of discussion following the game in the beIN SPORTS studio, with Wenger delivering a fascinating insight.
The former Arsenal manager highlighted the idea that the world's best strikers are over 30 and claims the French forward has benefited from losing weight.
"I would say he’s a demonstration of intelligence and efficiency. Everything he does is intelligent and looks simple. When I see him play, I think I could do the same. He smells the rhythm of the game like nobody else," explained Wenger.
He continued by referencing the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimovic when talking up Benzema's form, highlighting the trend of striker’s improving as they move into their thirties.
"It is something interesting that we are seeing across Europe now: the oldest strikers are the most efficient," he added.
"Robert Lewandowski, Benzema, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they are scoring goals at 35 and at 40. The best strikers in Europe are all over 30 years of age. They use every opponent’s mistake."
Wenger finished his analysis of Benzema by claiming his weight loss has transformed him into a 'real athlete'.
He said: "Benzema, I would say, until 30, had two or three kilos too many. Now he’s a real athlete and that’s why today, certainly, he’s one of the two or three best strikers in the world."
Benzema, 34, is enjoying the best season of his legendary career, having bagged an incredible 43 goals in all competitions.
His heroics in front of goal has seen him become the leading candidate to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, Arsene Wenger, Football
Nasir Jabbar