‘Benzema has stepped out of Ronaldo’s shadow at Real Madrid’

Karim Benzema, in his 11th season at Real Madrid, has stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow, says Steve McManaman, with the challenge being for Gareth Bale to do likewise.

A prolific French forward arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu during the same summer transfer window as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner back in 2009.

“I’ve been really impressed actually because ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left, someone had to step up didn’t they?” former Blancos star McManaman told HorseRacing.net.

“Karim’s been there for 10 years and he’s had to live in Cristiano’s shadow to a certain extent because of the goalscoring exploits of Cristiano.

“When he left it was down to other players like [Marco] Asensio, Benzema and even this year when they bought Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard, it’s the one person in that forward line who’s been there the longest who’s come to the forefront and they’ve relied on him so, so much.

“He’s a quiet lad when he’s interviewed, but he’s quietly gone about his business and if anything this has been one of his more prolific years.”