Updated:2025-10-27 08:05 Views:145
**Zinedine Zidane's Contribution to Real Madrid: Analysis of Benzema's Assists at Al Ittihad**
Zinedine Zidane, a legendary figure in football, left an indelible mark at Real Madrid, but his influence also extended beyond the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. During his tenure at Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Zidane not only mentored some of the world's best players but also played a pivotal role in the development of one of Real Madrid's star forwards, Karim Benzema.
**Zidane's Leadership at Al Ittihad**
Zidane's arrival at Al Ittihad in 2014 marked the beginning of a transformative era for the club. His leadership and tactical acumen quickly turned the team into a force to be reckoned with. Zidane's ability to inspire and strategize was evident as Al Ittihad consistently competed at the highest level, including winning the Saudi Premier League and the AFC Champions League in 2015.
**Benzema's Evolution as a Playmaker**
One of the key players to emerge during Zidane's tenure was Karim Benzema. Initially known for his goalscoring prowess, Benzema's game evolved under Zidane's guidance into a more versatile role as a playmaker. Zidane's tactical approach emphasized the importance of creativity and unselfish play, which Benzema embraced with enthusiasm.
Benzema's assists during this period were a testament to his growth. His ability to read the game and deliver precise passes into the box became a cornerstone of Al Ittihad's attacking play. For instance,Campeonato Brasileiro Action his chemistry with other forwards like Célico Martínez and the late Younis Mahmoud was instrumental in their success. Benzema's 15 assists in the 2015-16 season highlighted his role as a facilitator, often setting up crucial goals.
**The Tactical Impact**
Zidane's influence extended beyond just individual player development. He implemented a system that balanced defense and attack, encouraging wingers to come back and create overlaps. This tactic allowed Benzema to operate in central areas, where he could orchestrate plays and find teammates with pinpoint accuracy. The effectiveness of this system was evident in Al Ittihad's ability to break down defenses with quick transitions and intricate link-up play.
**Conclusion**
Zinedine Zidane's time at Al Ittihad was a pivotal period in his career, not just for the success he brought to the club but also for the development of players like Karim Benzema. Benzema's evolution under Zidane into a playmaking maestro underscores the French manager's ability to extract the best from his players. This collaboration laid the foundation for Benzema's future success at Real Madrid, where he became a key figure in Zidane's teams, winning multiple Champions Leagues.
In essence, Zidane's leadership at Al Ittihad wasn't just about victories; it was about nurturing talent and shaping players into world-class contributors. Karim Benzema's growth under Zidane's guidance stands as a prime example of this legacy, highlighting the manager's enduring impact on football.