TEN things you should know about Arsenal target Karim Benzema

Arsenal have been publicly linked with a big money move for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. However, for those who don’t know too much about the French striker (and I’m sure there’s a few of you) here’s a run down of some facts about the him:

1. Karim Benzema is a 23-year-old striker for Real Madrid. He was born in Lyon where he started his football career with youth club SC Bron Terraillon at the age of 8. A year later he went on to join Lyon’s youth Academy in 1996.

2. As per Lyon tradition, Benzema was asked to make a speech in the locker room after his signing. In response to jokes by several of the veterans of his youth, Benzema responded with, ‘don’t laugh…I am going to steal your spots.’ By the end of two months, Benzema had moved from fifth-favoured striker to the first.

3. Benzema made his professional debut in 2004 for Lyon, where he also played in two Under-17 games for France, scoring in one of them. Since then, he has gone on to represent France at Under-18, Under-21 level and then, in 2007, the senior squad.

4. 2006 saw a huge decision for the then 19-year-old Frenchman. He turned down Algeria to play for the French senior squad stating that although Algeria is the home of his parents and he holds that in his heart, football wise, he could only play for France.

5. In 2007, Karim Benzema was awarded Ligue 1 Top goal scorer, UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year, and was also featured in UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year – all of this at just the age of 20.

6. Karim Benzema was awarded the Bravo award in 2008, which is an annual award handed out by Italian magazine, Guerin Sportivo, to the most outstanding young European Footballer. He joins the likes of Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo who have all won the award in the past.

7. On July 1st 2009, it was announced that Benzema would be leaving Lyon to join Real Madrid for €35 million (£30 million). His Lyon career ended with him having netted 66 goals in 150 appearances for the French club in all competitions.

8. On 29th August 2009 he made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid against Deportivo La Coruña. His first official goal came against newly promoted side Xerez.

9. It wasn’t until this season that Benzema regained his true form, netting 26 goals in 48 appearances with an impressive 6 assists for Real.

10. Although Benzema often draws comparisons to the legendary Zinedine Zidane because of his French-Algerian roots, his kit number and his powerful style of play, the striker said he credits the Brazilian Ronaldo, Zidane’s old Real Madrid team-mate, as his true inspiration.

So, let’s take a look at the man in action:

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