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Real Madrid set to extend an under fire striker

By Moussa Traore

BILBAO, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid at San Mames Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
BILBAO, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid at San Mames Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /
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After his recent displays, Real Madrid are looking to lock up Karim Benzema for many more years.

Real Madrid are reportedly set to extend Karim Benzema’s contract past  its June 2019 expiring date. The forward was a key cog in Los Blancos 2-1 victory against Athletic Club, scoring the opener from a brilliant build-up play that Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo initiated. He also scored a brace two weeks earlier against Eibar.

Benzema’s recent performances are good signs for both parties. The striker has been under fire for his poor display this season and many were calling for him to be dropped, especially when a capable replacement such as Alvaro Morata eagerly awaits on the side.

Now in his eighth season at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema is the club’s eighth highest goalscorer with 177 goals. Only Ronaldo has scored more goals than the Frenchman during his time at Real Madrid.

As vital as Ronaldo has been to Real’s destructive attack over the years, Benzema has proven he’s as salient. Together, the devastating strike partnership have terrorized defenses for eight years and according to reports, the 29-year-old will be with Madrid for “many years.”

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Benzema isn’t your typical No. 9 that looks for goals first, he plays within the team, particularly a Ronaldo led attack. Indeed the 32-year-old have “lost freshman and speed,” but he is still instrumental to Zinedine Zidane’s front line.

Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez thinks Cr7 will be Blancos savior in crucial matches.

“We are now entering the crucial stage, now the big players need to show up. I expect him to be in very good shape,” Raul told kicker magazine during an interview.

Next: Real Madrid drama: Bale and Ronaldo at odds

“He sometimes plays closer to the box, it’s more difficult there. But please: He still has his potential. Maybe he lost a bit of freshness and speed, but that’s normal at his age. And he might have not won all of his direct duels recently, but beware: He spoiled us previously. “

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