Seven instances Benzema proved he can overcome anything

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2017 by Marca.com

An uncanny ability to silence his critics, Karim Benzema's career has been defined by times in which he has proven people wrong.

He has lived through it all, becoming the leading French goalscorer in the Champions League with 51 goals, edging out Thierry Henry.

Here are seven obstacles he has put behind him to become one of Real Madrid's most important of players:

A difficult first year at the Bernabeu

When Florentino Perez signed him from Olympique Lyon, Benzema endured a tough adaptation period at Los Blancos. It was the first time he left home and he had to adjust off the pitch as well as on it. Mauricio Pellegrini didn't trust the striker much, and with good reason, as Benzema put up the worst numbers of his career with just nine goals and six assists in 33 matches.

Mourinho didn't want him

It wasn't much better with Jose Mourinho in charge at first. After a Gonzalo Higuain injury however, he started to feature more, and despite a rough start to the relationship, Benzema admits Mourinho made him a better footballer. In his second season under his stewardship, he scored 32 goals and had 19 assists.

Competition with Higuain

Having to compete with Higuain for the starting No. 9 spot wasn't good for either player and limited both of their minutes. When Higuain left, many believed Benzema stayed on because he was Perez's signing, not based on merit. But his longevity at the club shows there was a reason to keep him at the club.

Fitness issues and injuries

While the injuries he has faced at Los Blancos haven't hindered his career, they have come at key times and forced him to the sidelines when the team needed him most. Recently, early season struggles meant Alvaro Morata was gaining ground, but he has since reasserted himself once his fitness permitted.

Ostracised from the French national team

Off-pitch matters have meant the French national team have gone without one of their most talented strikers, and he took refuge in Madrid. France agreed for the most part with Didier Deschamps' decision not to call him up, which had a heavy toll on the player's conscience.

Bernabeu boos one of their own

When things go wrong, Benzema is normally the first to be blamed, as his cold-blooded streaky nature invites criticism on a consistent basis. He has never let them bother him, and continues to respond when it matters most, in the Champions League.

Eye of the storm

The striker debate came and went. Benzema reasserted his dominance and Alvaro Morata hasn't started in the last seven matches, as he struggles for playing time. More than anything, Benzema can overcome any scenario, no matter how tough. Like a cat with nine lives, adversity is what has come to define his success.