Carlo Ancelotti Brilliantly Breaks Down how Karim Benzema Evolved Since Cristiano's Real Madrid's Exit

• Ancelotti believes Benzema morphed into a leader upon the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in 2018
• Ronaldo left in controversial circumstances after a successful nine-year stint with the Spanish giants
• Since Ronaldo left, Benzema has been Real Madrid’s main man upfront

Carlo Ancelotti has brilliantly broken down how the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid helped shape Karim Benzema’s career.

Ronaldo left Real Madrid as the club’s all-time goal scorer in 2018, ending his nine-year spell with Los Blancos to join Juventus.

Prior to his departure, the Portugal star was Real Madrid’s main man up front, and on many occasions, Karim Benzema had to play second fiddle to the five-time Ballon d’or winner.

Years after Ronaldo’s departure and Benzema, who is in his thirties, has become a crucial part of Real Madrid’s success.

His goals this season have helped Real Madrid reclaim the La Liga title from rivals Atletico Madrid, and the Spanish giants could make it a double for the season when they take on Liverpool in the Champions League final.

Cristiano, Matic's sons recreate Man United superstar's goal vs Chelsea in adorable video

Football

Notably, he has been prolific in front of goals and his exploits have made him the top scorer in both the La Liga and Champions League.

In total, the Frenchman has scored 43 goals in all competitions this season.

This is quite impressive, and there is a huge contrast to Benzema’s performances when in Cristiano’s final season at Real Madrid, where he only managed 12 goals.

According to Benzema’s manager Ancelotti, the forward has grown in his game since Ronaldo’s exit, and he is more than just a goal scorer.

"I have difficulty calling Benzema only a centre-forward because he’s a fantastic player that’s playing from the front,” Ancelotti told SiriusXM FC as quoted by The Sun.

"He’s not only a top scorer but he also provides assists for his teammates and partakes in the build-up of play.

"He’s a complete player and for us, he’s really important because he scores so many goals.

Momar Sakanoko tips Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema to win Ballon d’Or, excludes Sadio Mane from list

Football

Ancelotti went on:

"I think Karim became a leader of the team when Ronaldo left because at that time he had more responsibility.

"Ronaldo was a player that was scoring around 50 goals a season and without him, Madrid had more difficulties to score goals.

Should Real Madrid beat Liverpool to the Champions League, then Benzema will be a heavy favourite to win the Ballon d’or.

Casillas, Kaka tour Ghana

Earlier, Sports Brief reported of how World Cup winners Iker Casillas and Ricardo Kaka will be arriving in Ghana with the original FIFA World Cup trophy

In hosting this momentous international tour, Coca-Cola and FIFA will invite fans to get an up-close contact with the same trophy that is presented by FIFA to the winning country of the FIFA World Cup.

The trophy will be on a global journey that will include Ghana and all the 31 remaining qualifying countries for the first time ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.