Benzema Reflects on “Extraordinary” 2014 After Club World Cup Heroics
Karim Benzema continued his fine form with another standout performance for Real Madrid, playing a central role in the Spanish club’s 4-0 demolition of Cruz Azul in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The French striker, who found the net and was named Man of the Match, proved once again why he is so vital to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup. Sharp, creative, and clinical in front of goal, Benzema led the Madrid attack with poise and precision on Tuesday night in Marrakech.
Speaking after receiving his individual award, Benzema took a moment to reflect on what has been a landmark year in his career.
“2014 was a very good year for me, it’s true,” he said. “I won a lot of titles with Real Madrid. I had a lot of fun, I had a lot of joy — with Madrid, and with the French national team. It was truly an extraordinary year.”
Indeed, 2014 saw Benzema lift the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Super Cup with Real Madrid. He also played an integral role in France’s World Cup campaign in Brazil, where Les Bleus reached the quarter-finals and Benzema was among the team’s standout performers.
His latest performance further cements his reputation as one of Europe’s top forwards. With the Club World Cup final still to come, Benzema and his teammates now have the chance to cap off a historic year with yet another piece of silverware — and for the Frenchman, it would be a fitting end to what he rightly calls an “extraordinary” 2014.
