Benzema Is A More Complete Player Than Henry – Govou

Karim Benzema is a “more complete” player than Thierry Henry was, according to Sydney Govou, who has hailed the Real Madrid striker as a “real leader”.

Benzema is currently enjoying arguably his best season yet at Madrid, having hit 26 goals in 41 outings across all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

Of those efforts, 21 have come in La Liga, as the Blancos picked up their 34th title last week following a 2-1 victory over Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu.

The former Lyon striker believes Benzema has surpassed France legend Henry as a more accomplished all-round player, as he told L’Equipe: “I think he has largely the level of Thierry.

“Thierry really impressed me because he was not only a fast player but he had the ball. But Karim is more complete.

“He also has a kind of presence because he is smaller and less athletic. Karim has always been a top player. If you love football, it’s impossible not to love him.”

Asked to assess Benzema’s latest season at the Bernabeu, Govou responded:

“I’m not surprised. I always thought he was one of the best European strikers.

“He had small difficulties at the start at Real because he had to win. But he has taken on an incredible dimension over the years.

“And a little more after the departure of [Cristiano] Ronaldo. He has new responsibilities, he’s a real leader.”