### Zinedine Zidane's Midfield Rating of Benzema at Al Ittihad

In the highly competitive world of football, midfielders play a crucial role in orchestrating teams' offensive and defensive strategies. When evaluating players like Zinedine Zidane's former teammate Karim Benzema, it's essential to consider both his individual contributions and how he fit into the team dynamics.

#### Introduction

Karim Benzema is one of the most celebrated forwards in world football history, known for his goal-scoring prowess and ability to influence games with his vision and creativity. His tenure at Al Ittihad, which spans from 2011 to 2014, was particularly notable for its impact on the club's performance and his own development as a player.

#### Midfield Role and Performance

At Al Ittihad, Benzema played primarily as a forward but also contributed significantly to the midfield. His ability to move freely between positions allowed him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, his midfield rating at the club was not as high as some might have expected given his overall contribution.

#### Zinedine Zidane's Perspective

Zinedine Zidane, who managed Al Ittihad during this period, had a unique perspective on Benzema's midfield role. As a renowned tactician, Zidane would often evaluate players based on their ability to contribute across different areas of the field. He recognized that while Benzema was a prolific scorer, his midfield presence was less pronounced than some of his contemporaries.

Zidane believed that Benzema could be even more impactful if he spent more time in the midfield. This could have included playing more advanced roles or taking on a more direct attacking position. By doing so, Benzema might have been able to provide more support to the defense and create more chances for his teammates.

#### Conclusion

While Zinedine Zidane's midfield rating of Benzema at Al Ittihad may not have been as high as some might have hoped, his overall impact on the club's success remains significant. Benzema's ability to score goals and create opportunities made him a valuable asset, and his experience at Al Ittihad undoubtedly helped shape his game.

As the football landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how players like Benzema adapt to new tactical systems and how they can continue to make a meaningful contribution to their teams. Whether through improved midfield presence or continued goal-scoring prowess, Benzema's legacy at Al Ittihad will likely live on for years to come.