Karim Benzema Names His Dream Starting 11, Snubs Veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

• Al-Ittihad veteran Karim Benzema has named his dream starting football eleven
• He named a few teammates but snubbed both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• The Portuguese and the Argentine are considered among the greatest of all time

Al Ittihad veteran, Karim Benzema recently named his dream starting 11. There are some glaring omissions from his squad, most notably his ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Lionel Messi.

The former Real Madrid striker was asked to give his dream starting 11 ahead of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

The former France striker named a star-studded line-up full of skill, talent and character. His formation was 4-4-2.

In goal, he named Bayern Munich and Germany legend, Manuel Neuer. Some consider him the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and the treble with his club.

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Benzema named three of his ex-teammates in defence: Sergio Ramos, Pepe, and Marcelo. He put Barcelona legend Dani Alves at right-back.

In midfield, he had two French stars, Claude Makelele and Paul Pogba. He put Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho as his wide attackers, then put himself up front alongside Ronaldo Nazario, via Al Ittihad.

He was probably avoiding fights with Team Messi and Team Ronaldo.

Benzema so far in Saudi Arabia

The former Real Madrid striker has played 16 games this season for the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Ittihad and scored 10 goals in all competitions, per Transfermarkt. Nine of those goals have come in the SPL.

Just like last season, Benzema has been plagued with injuries this campaign, too. He has missed seven games with injury problems in Saudi Arabia.

His absence may have affected his team. Marcelo Gallardo's team have won just two of their last nine games as the Frenchman aims to secure his first trophy in the Saudi Arabian top flight.

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Benzema nets first hat-trick for Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema is proving why he was a crucial signing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

The French striker recently netted his first hat-trick for his new team in a victory over Abha.

Benzema scored three goals and provided an assist in a 4-2, Sports Brief previously reported.