A year ago
Analysis: Kane or Havertz – who’s better to replace Benzema at Real Madrid?
With Karim Benzema's departure from Real Madrid to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, the focus now shifts to finding his replacement. Benzema has been an exceptional player for Real Madrid for the past 14 years, particularly since 2018 when he became the team's talisman after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. Real Madrid is prepared to invest heavily this summer, and two names have emerged as potential replacements for Benzema: Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur and Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
Real Madrid holds admiration for both players, and there is a chance that they may sign both, considering their distinct styles and the need for additional attackers in the squad, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo being the only prominent options currently available. However, according to reports from Marca, Kane is the preferred target for Real Madrid this summer, while the pursuit of Havertz has been temporarily put on hold.
When evaluating both players, it becomes apparent that Kane would be the superior choice for Los Blancos, despite being older and potentially more expensive. Kane's goal-scoring record speaks for itself, particularly considering he has played for a Tottenham team that has often underperformed. In the 2022/23 season, he impressively netted 30 goals in the Premier League, even though his team finished eighth.
Kane is not just a prolific goal-scorer but also an all-around striker with excellent passing abilities and the capacity to link up effectively with midfielders and wingers. This makes him an ideal fit for Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-3 system at Real Madrid. The crucial aspect that Real Madrid needs to consider when signing a new striker is their ability to establish a fruitful partnership with Vinicius. The Brazilian has thrived in recent seasons due to his understanding and synergy with Benzema, allowing Ancelotti to extract the best from him.
Kane's experience in forging a similar relationship with Heung-Min Son at Tottenham, where Son played as a left winger, makes him an attractive prospect. It suggests that Kane could seamlessly continue Benzema's work with Vinicius, ensuring the young Brazilian's continued development. Real Madrid's prioritization of Kane is justified, although signing him may prove challenging, even with just a year left on his contract. Tottenham is likely to demand a substantial transfer fee, adding complexity to the negotiations.
In conclusion, while both Harry Kane and Kai Havertz are potential replacements for Benzema at Real Madrid, Kane emerges as the preferred choice. His goal-scoring prowess, versatility, and proven ability to form fruitful partnerships with wingers align well with Real Madrid's requirements. Kane's potential link-up with Vinicius holds great promise for the team's future. However, securing his services may come with significant challenges, given the anticipated demands from Tottenham Hotspur.
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