5 best backups for Benzema based on playing style and stats

5 best backups for Benzema based on playing style and stats

Real Madrid may start the season without a recognized backup for Karim Benzema - that's if Mariano and Borja Mayoral leave the club this summer.

We've selected the best backups for the French striker based on strikers with a similar style and stats to Benzema.

Duvan Zapata
Zapata is a powerful striker who draws a lot of similarities with Benzema. He may not score as much, but in terms of shooting, there's hardly a better match for Benzema.

Benzema's shots on target percentage stand at 39.8% - the Colombian tallies 39.7%. Last season he registered 13 goals and 7 assists for Atalanta.

Andrej Kramaric
The Croatian striker is a deadly finisher just like Benzema. His expected goals plus assist is 17.9. He did better last season with 19-goal contributions in all competitions.

Like Benzema, Kramaric is a player who likes to help his team build up attacks, that's why he registered as many as 11 assists last season.

Luis Muriel
Like Zapata, Muriel is another Colombian striker who has continued to impress in Serie A for Atalanta.

The 31-year-old is a predator in the box and averages 0.54 goals per game. That's not bad for a player who could come off the bench to replace Benzema.

Gerard Moreno
The Spaniard is another troublesome striker who draws a lot of parallels with Benzema, although the Frenchman is the better finisher anywhere in Europe.

Moreno might be difficult to get given he has a long-term contract with Villarreal and is valued at €40m. Still, Madrid would be getting a good finisher if they decide to sign him.

Christopher Nkunku
Arguably the best of the lot, Nkunku has shown his talent and sheer quality playing for RB Leipzig. The Frenchman's goal return stands at 0.64 goals per 90 minutes.

Nkunku's game is not just about scoring though. Like Benzema, he drops deep and helps his team win and keep the ball. He's good at creating chances with 134 shot-creating actions last season - that's even more than Benzema's 124 for Real Madrid in La Liga.
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