17. Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema
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One of the most lethal finishers in the game is French striker Karim Benzema, who has forged a great career for himself at both Lyon and Real Madrid, even with a slight dip in form this season.
The Frenchman started his career with Lyon, first becoming a regular in the side in around 2005 when he was just 17 years old. Just a couple of years later he was regarded as one of the best young talents in the world with some eye-catching displays, attracting strong interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.
He eventually made his big move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a fee of nearly £30million, becoming one of many big signings for the Spanish giants that summer. Although he took time to settle in Spain, Benzema now has a highly impressive record of 89 goals in 183 appearances for the club, as well as 50 assists in that time as he has developed his game as more of a wide-forward under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is the undisputed star of this Real Madrid team, Benzema has scored some memorable goals for the club, particularly in their title-winning season of 2011/12, when he scored a superb first-time volley against Osasuna, possibly the best goal of his career and one of Real Madrid’s best that season.
He has not quite managed to replicate his club form for the French national team, scoring just 15 goals in 58 appearances. He is currently on something of a goal drought for his country and has been somewhat lacking in confidence after a difficult year all-round at Real Madrid, where there has been plenty of friction between players and the manager.
Still, the 25-year-old managed 21 goals and 18 assists, and could surely reach world class levels again when he is back to his best. Manchester United have renewed their interest in him this summer, showing that he is still rated highly in the game, and a move away from the Bernabeu could be just what he needs to reignite his career.
On his day, there are few better finishers in the game, and it would be great to see him playing at full confidence again for club and country. Still, his stats show that even when not on the top of his game, he is capable of making a great contribution to his team, and Real Madrid would be mad to sell him.