Benzema's Playing Time Statistics at Al Ittihad Club
# Benzema's Playing Time Statistics at Al Ittihad Club
**Introduction**
Fifa World Cup 2022 kicked off in Qatar with a thrilling display of football from the world's best players. Among the stars who shone brightly on the pitch was Lionel Messi, known for his incredible skills and goalscoring prowess. However, one player who often gets overlooked is Zinedine Zidane's former teammate, Karim Benzema. While he may not have been as famous as Messi, Benzema has played a crucial role in several successful campaigns for Real Madrid and France. In this article, we will delve into Benzema's playing time statistics during his tenure at Al Ittihad Club.
## Early Career at Al Ittihad Club
Zinedine Zidane made his debut for Al Ittihad Club in the Egyptian Premier League (EPL) in 1998. During his early years at the club, Benzema established himself as a reliable and consistent performer. He started as a forward but gradually transitioned to midfield, where he proved to be a valuable asset to the team.
### Season Breakdown
- **Season 1998/99**: Benzema made 27 appearances for Al Ittihad Club, scoring 5 goals.
- **Season 1999/2000**: He appeared in 34 matches, contributing 6 goals.
- **Season 2000/01**: Benzema scored 9 goals in 39 appearances.
- **Season 2001/02**: He made 31 appearances, scoring 6 goals.
During these seasons, Benzema demonstrated his ability to contribute both numerically and defensively. His performances earned him praise from his teammates and coaches alike.
## Transition to Real Madrid
After impressing at Al Ittihad Club, Benzema decided to move to the Spanish capital, where he would join Real Madrid in 2002. This move marked a significant milestone in his career,Chinese Super League Stand as it allowed him to play alongside some of the greatest players in the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema himself.
### Real Madrid Career Highlights
- **2002/03**: Benzema scored 15 goals in 26 league games, helping Real Madrid secure their first La Liga title since 1998.
- **2003/04**: He scored 13 goals in 29 league games, further cementing his status as a key player for Real Madrid.
- **2004/05**: Benzema scored 17 goals in 30 league games, earning him the Golden Boot award for that season.
- **2005/06**: He contributed 19 goals in 32 league games, leading Real Madrid to their second consecutive La Liga title.
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Benzema consistently produced high-quality performances, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different roles and excel in various situations.
## Conclusion
Karim Benzema's playing time statistics at Al Ittihad Club were modest compared to his later achievements at Real Madrid and for France. However, his contributions to the team during his time at Al Ittihad Club were significant, establishing him as a reliable and dependable player. As he continued to develop and grow as a footballer, Benzema's impact on the sport only increased, making him one of the most celebrated and influential players in modern football history.
