Real Madrid's star-studded forward line is the envy of many clubs throughout the world, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco all strutting their stuff for the Spanish side. But Karim Benzema remains as important as any of them.
The 27-year-old is still sidelined and played no part in Madrid's Liga opener away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon on Sunday night. And how he was missed. Although absent, the France forward's value only grew with Real lacking a cutting edge, a final ball and accuracy in their shooting as 27 chances came and went in Asturias.
For several summers now, Madrid have declined to sign a striker to compete with the Frenchman because Benzema is so important to their team. Since the sale of Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli in 2013, he has made the role of centre forward his own at the Santiago Bernabeu and his contribution is much more than just goals.
Dropping deep into midfield, Benzema is an unselfish player who does as much to support Ronaldo and Bale as he does to score himself. Happy to operate in a sacrificial role, he still scores plenty and has been challenged by new coach Rafa Benitez to net 25 goals in 2015-16.
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