Karim Benzema has got off to a fine start to life in Saudi Arabia. The formerReal Madridman has scored three goals in his first three games for the club and is enjoying life in Asia.
The story forReal Madridhas not been as sweet. TheMerenguesare still reeling from the loss of their lethal striker, with Carlo Ancelotti trying everything in his capacity to fill the void.
Benzema’s departure hasleft Los Blancos without a neat finisherand struggling in front of goal. The Frenchman was also the team’s primary penalty specialist during his final years at the club.
Mario Cortegana, there are three candidates well-placed to take over the spot-kick duties.
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes would appear as the primary candidates to fill Benzema’s boots. Luka Modric is also a promising candidate considering the penalty duties.
An impeccable record
Last season Benzema took ten penalties forLos Blancosacross all competitions and scored nine of those opportunities. The only occasion on which he missed was in the 1-1 draw to Osasuna when Sergio Herrera went the right way.
The season prior, the French striker put away a staggering 11 penalties, missing four in the process.
In fact, he has failed to score from the spot only eight times in his career while finding the back of the net 40 times.
Where do the contєɴԀers stand?
Rodrygo Goes was said to be the manager’s best choice to step up for spot-kicks earlier this summer. The youngster has already stepped up to the spot thrice for theMerenguesand scored on all three occasions.
Modric, with years of experience under his belt, ismore seasonedon that front. He has 22 penalty goals to his name across his illustrious career, missing just four in the process.
Vinicius Jr, surprisingly, hasnever taken a spot-kickforLos Blancosin a competitive encounter. He failed to score from the spot during the recent pre-seasonEl Clasicoagainst Barcelona, while he has stepped up twice for Brazil, scoring once and missing on the other occasion.
Given Benzema’s track record from the spot,Real Madridwill certainly miss their former captain. And it will be now up to Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Modric to ensure that the goals continue to flow from 12 yards out.
