Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema joined the SPL in different scenarios. CR7 had to terminate his contract with Man United and had a disappointing World Cup, while Benzema won the Ballon d’Or and left Madrid as a bonafide legend. However, as the SPL season reaches the halfway mark, their fortunes have reversed, with Ronaldo in top form and Benzema struggling. Yet, it has been claimed that the situation would ‘not be different’ for Marcelo Gallardo’s side even if they had the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks.

The Portuguese icon is the top-scorer in the league, while Benzema has come under immense criticism for his recent performances. The reigning champions sit 7th on the table and will need the French striker at his best in the second half of the season for any chance of making the top four.

Soccer analyst makes a damning Cristiano Ronaldo verdict

Reputed soccer analyst Muhammad Nour believes that not even CR7 could save Al Ittihad this season. In an interview, he said, “If Cristiano Ronaldo came to Al Ittihad in the same position as Benzema, 100% nothing would be offered.” On paper, this does seem like baseless claims, especially when one looks at the stats. 

With 20 goals in 18 games, no player has scored more than CR7. Furthermore, he ends the year with 53 goals, more than any other player in the world. An astonishing fact when you consider Ronaldo turns 39 in February. Benzema has less than half of Ronaldo’s league tally with nine goals. On the face of it, CR7 would probably improve any side of the world. However, there’s more to the tale.

Many of Al Ittihad’s struggles come from off-field issues. They have already sacked former Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo in November after poor performances. His replacement, the highly touted Marcelo Gallardo, hasn’t had much success either, with four defeats in the past five matches. As the defending champions, and despite spending over $120 million in the transfer market, Al Ittihad has regressed compared to last season. It seems the pressure & criticism has gotten to Benzema, whose future at the club looks in jeopardy.

Read More: After Loss to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ittihad Star Punished With Hefty Fine by Disciplinary Committee

Following the defeat against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Benzema might ‘not return’

The Frenchman’s performance against Luis Castro’s side did not impress fans. Subsequently, the star deleted his Instagram account and has not reported to training recently. As per the latest reports, Benzema has made some demands on the Al Ittihad chiefs.

Karim reportedly told the management, “Either bring new players to the team or I will not return.” Interestingly, other attackers, like Romarinho (4 goals in 15 games) and Coronado (5 goals in 15 games), have even worse seasons than Karim. Yet, the blame always seems to fall on the Frenchman. Could Benzema be implying that he wants better players around him? It seems so.

Do you agree with the analyst? Let us know in the comments below.

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