If not Benzema then who?

So it seems a lot of posters are discontent with Benzema, as per usual of this forum. Since this saga has gone on pretty much since he signed for RM, who should we sign?

I understand this is just a hypothetical since we have the transfer ban- but imagine we could sign players and roster them this January, who would you sign?

This thread isn't intended to focus on Benzema, but his alternative.

We actually have an alternative in Morata so that would be my choice. Also, I think this is genuinely the 1st time most of the Madrid fan base around the web have gotten absolutely fed up of Benzema. Even the Bernabeu has had it with him.

Deep down though, I'm really hoping he gets his act together.

"The problem" here is CR.

CR nowadays is completely garbage outwide, to a point where he moves to the center naturally and plays like a poacher to finish chances.

So you can't just say "let's bring Lewandowski" because lewa doesnt play outwide.

Morata as Doc mentioned is here, he is a good shout because he will actually help out playing wide. In my opinion you have to find that kind of forward who is good on the attacking left half space. those type of players are only conceptual right now because it's not a position that normally exist i other teams, so i can think of players that conceptually fit the role, but you then face the fact that 1) they dont it in their clubs, 2) CR positioning and movements are extremely unusual

We are clearly a better team/unit when we play with 3 midfielders (5 if you count the wingers).

In any case, suspected accomplice Blackmailer Fatty benzema is not fit, let's see how he looks even if can even get there this season. besides, Zidane has shown that he will just keep the status quo because we played a handful of big games per year where he will ask his players to make sacrifices, and for the rest of the games, even if the positioning isnt ideal, the overall sum of the parts will get him through.

Sign?? We needn't sign anyone when we have 3 capable strikers in the team that should all be ahead of Benzema. Why is every solution to our problems in our team to buy new players?????

So it looks like there are two issues that collide.

1. Ronaldo's positioning
2. Benzema unfit

Maybe there is a better option to suit Ronaldo's poor positioning than Benzema?

Morata has been on good form, I would like to see him start more, especially with Benzema's low fitness. On the other hand, Morata has never lead the line for an extended period of time.

@hala, I can see a Morata argument, but 2 additional strikers who are better than Benzema? Who are they?

Is the only solution to cut out Ronaldo? My thoughts are that he is untouchable (in the eyes of Perez) and would need to adjust other players to make the whole unit better functioning in spite of Ronaldo.

The unfortunate thing for Benz is that his injury issues have made him ineffective outside of the striker spot. The reason it used to work with CR was that Benz could dezone and CR display outside in. Now, CR plays as a 9 basically and Benz is left with no area to operate.

I think you replace Benz with a wing player because CR is the striker.

I feel like a winger who can play centrally as well would be the best option. Kinda like how Benz was a central player who can play wide when Ronaldo comes in the middle- Now that Ronaldo is more central who drifts out wide we need kinda the opposite.

That was a good point, sports.

Anyone know players that fit that profile best? wingers/wide players who can also play centrally?

sportsczy wrote:The unfortunate thing for Benz is that his injury issues have made him ineffective outside of the striker spot. The reason it used to work with CR was that Benz could dezone and CR display outside in. Now, CR plays as a 9 basically and Benz is left with no area to operate.

I think you replace Benz with a wing player because CR is the striker.

That's why we should have got Hazard in the summer. CR had already played great as a CF at the Euros.

Cristiano is the best scorer and nowdays performs better as CF so let him play there.

Also abuomiang from dortmund is class these days.

Given this is a no signing year, this discussion is a mute point. However what's really required is to light a fire under him.

In my view he is very unprofessional. He had all the drama of off field illegal activities which shows he isn't the smartest guy out there let alone very poor judgement. He has the entire summer free and yet he shows up out of shape and injured. He plays as if he doesn't give a damm and a total lack of energy.

Meanwhile his understudies, both Morata and now Mariano play with an abundance of energy, seemingly make things happen, help out with pressing and even getting back on defense, don't seem to have the conflict with Ronaldo that Benz does.  These guys are not starters, even I a supporter of Morata will tell you that.

However, benz just simply does not get the message, especially when the manager always throws him out there in his starting lineup. A string of benching for Ronaldo, Morata or even Mariano should send the message thru loud and clear, 'be professional, get in shape and play a proper game'. The message should be you have to earn the role.

In any event until Zidane does this, we will continue to be handicapped. However the fans in Bernbeu have begun the jeers and expect this to get much louder this Wednesday. Let's hope Zidane listens to these fans!

With Morata out, who would we play in the interim? Ronaldo as CF Asensio and Lucas on the wings?

Yes or play 4 MF with Isco having the free role (as in the Atleti game). Better to play with only one real scorer than to play with only 10 men.

And Ronaldo has proven this season he is a superior CF then benz. I've always liked benzema but if he isn't producing then it's bench time for him.

No sports. The unfortunate thing for Benz is that he sucks dick now. I can't defend him anymore, you shouldn't either. This is pellegrini Benz right here. The Karim who doesn't give a shit, parties, and doesn't train 100%. No thanks.

Another thing. Benz looks even slower out there. Ronaldo has poor acceleration now due to his age, but give him 5-10 meters to kick off (making runs etc, just look at that goal vs atletico) and he's probably the fastest one with varane and bale.

And it looks like Ronaldo stole karims link up ability because he is holding up the ball remarkably well as a CF (when he plays there). Please, no CR as a winger. He doesn't have the quickness to play there.

Thing is that Benzema has only started 12 games and has 6 goals...  and a lot of those games he was playing injured.  It's a bit early.

I always remember Wenger's quote (and one that I have mentioned here several times for various players over the years)...  whether returning from long term injury or a long vacation, a player takes 6 weeks at least to find his stride.  Just how it is.  You have exceptions obviously.  But in general, this has held true a lot.

Come the end of January/early February...  if Benz is still struggling while being healthy, then it's time for true concern.  Right now, I think it's premature.

He has been invisible but his finishing has been top notch

vanDEEZ wrote:I feel like a winger who can play centrally as well would be the best option. Kinda like how Benz was a central player who can play wide when Ronaldo comes in the middle- Now that Ronaldo is more central who drifts out wide we need kinda the opposite.

That was a good point, sports.

Anyone know players that fit that profile best? wingers/wide players who can also play centrally?

the prototype perfect player for that role is Neymar...

i would have said Reus too but he is crooked.

futbol_bill wrote:Given this is a no signing year, this discussion is a mute point. However what's really required is to light a fire under him.

In my view he is very unprofessional. He had all the drama of off field illegal activities which shows he isn't the smartest guy out there let alone very poor judgement. He has the entire summer free and yet he shows up out of shape and injured. He plays as if he doesn't give a damm and a total lack of energy.

Meanwhile his understudies, both Morata and now Mariano play with an abundance of energy, seemingly make things happen, help out with pressing and even getting back on defense, don't seem to have the conflict with Ronaldo that Benz does.  These guys are not starters, even I a supporter of Morata will tell you that.

However, benz just simply does not get the message, especially when the manager always throws him out there in his starting lineup. A string of benching for Ronaldo, Morata or even Mariano should send the message thru loud and clear, 'be professional, get in shape and play a proper game'. The message should be you have to earn the role.

In any event until Zidane does this, we will continue to be handicapped. However the fans in Bernbeu have begun the jeers and expect this to get much louder this Wednesday. Let's hope Zidane listens to these fans!

James as a LW-SS, we should try that, that's where he excelled with Columbia in the World Cup.

James as LW will just cross. he has no pace or dribbling ability.

SuperMAG wrote:Cristiano is the best scorer and nowdays performs better as CF so let him play there.

Also abuomiang from dortmund is class these days.

Abumyang would be a great addition to play out wide and up top