I love the beautiful game, but if there’s one thing that gets on my nerves about football it is fans booing or heckling their own players. Fair enough, they pay their money and have the right to do what they want. However, jeering an individual who is playing for your own side is, well, ridiculous.
The reason I mention this is because Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has endured taunting from fans of the Bernabeu after a slump in form. Since the France international arrived in the Spanish capital he has not been taken to as a fan favourite.
The supporters of Real Madrid demand a certain work level that not all players reach while they are plying their trade. Some, naturally, need the energy and doggedness about their play to execute their performances, but others – think Dimitar Berbatov – don’t. And Madrid fans don’t like it.
While Benzema has hit just two goals in eight games in La Liga, and an impressive two in two in the Champions League, there are a list of Premier League clubs who supposedly want his signature.
Jose Mourinho knows exactly what he’s about, having coached him over the last few years, and is on the lookout for a new frontman, supposedly.
With Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba misfiring, there is a space for a goal-getter at Stamford Bridge.
Although English fans love a moan, it’s rare that they will give stick to a player who is technically brilliant but unwilling to chase pointless balls.