Karim Benzema Under Fire: “Not Easy to Play With” Says Jean-Michel Larqué
Karim Benzema’s position in the French national team continues to spark debate. Following France’s uninspiring 1-1 draw against Albania, the Real Madrid striker has come under sharp criticism—not from teammates or coach Didier Deschamps, but from influential French football observers.
Veteran pundit Jean-Michel Larqué did not mince words during an appearance on RMC, expressing frustration with Benzema’s national team performances:
“Not only is it difficult to play next to Benzema, but it’s a double whammy because Benzema himself isn’t at his best,” Larqué stated.
“The guy next to him is lost and isn’t performing as we’d hope for. [Alexandre] Lacazette probably had his worst game in two months and Benzema wasn’t good.”
Larqué argued that the expectations placed on Benzema in the French setup are fundamentally different from his role at Real Madrid:
“What we ask of Benzema in the French national team is not at all what we ask of him at Real. And we don’t have a player of his talent to allow us to play him anywhere other than as a striker.”
This criticism follows similar remarks by Pierre Ménès, who questioned Benzema’s commitment and sharpness inside the penalty area. With France set to face Sweden at the Stade Vélodrome, Tuesday’s match could be an important moment for Benzema to respond to his critics—or further fuel the ongoing doubts about his role in Les Bleus.
