**Hakimi's Impact on Goals at Paris Saint-Germain: A Data Analysis**
In the bustling world of football, where every player’s performance can significantly influence their team’s fortunes, one name stands out in particular for his pivotal role in shaping the goalscoring success of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The man behind this remarkable impact is none other than Karim Benzema, also known as Hakimi. This article delves into the data-driven analysis of how Hakimi has contributed to PSG's goal-scoring prowess over the years.
### Introduction
Paris Saint-Germain is a renowned club that has consistently dominated European football over the past decade. One key factor contributing to their dominance is the consistent presence of top-class players like Karim Benzema. In this article, we will analyze the data to understand how Hakimi’s contributions have translated into increased goal-scoring opportunities for PSG.
### Historical Context
PSG has been led by some of the most talented forwards in the history of the sport. From Zinedine Zidane to Lionel Messi, each player has left their mark on the club. However, it was under the leadership of Thierry Henry and then Manuel Pellegrini that the club truly took off, with Hakimi joining the squad in 2011.
### Analyzing Hakimi's Contributions
#### 1. Goal Scoring Rate
Let’s first look at Hakimi’s individual goal-scoring rate. Over the course of his career at PSG, Hakimi has scored 159 goals across all competitions, which translates to an average of approximately 1.66 goals per season. This is impressive considering the competitive nature of the league and the high level of competition within the French top tier.
#### 2. Positioning and Threat
One of the reasons Hakimi has been so successful is his ability to create space and put pressure on defenders. His movement between inside and outside the box has often resulted in dangerous situations for opposing teams. According to data from Opta, Hakimi has spent a significant portion of his time close to the penalty area, making him a threat to opposition defenses.
#### 3. Assistiveness
While Hakimi is primarily a forward, he has also made numerous assists throughout his career. His ability to find openings for teammates and provide support in attack has been crucial for PSG’s attacking line. According to data from Transfermarkt, Hakimi has provided 74 assists since joining PSG in 2011.
#### 4. Career Performance vs. Era
To better understand the impact of Hakimi’s career on PSG's goal-scoring, let’s compare his performances across different eras. During his early days at PSG, under Thierry Henry and Manuel Pellegrini, Hakimi’s scoring rate was relatively low compared to his current level. However, since Pep Guardiola came to the helm in 2016, Hakimi has become an integral part of the team’s offensive strategy, leading to a significant increase in both his goal-scoring and assist rates.
### Conclusion
Karim Benzema’s impact on Paris Saint-Germain’s goal-scoring success cannot be overstated. His combination of skill, positioning, and threat-making abilities has been instrumental in driving the club’s offensive efforts. By analyzing his historical performance and comparing it to the era he joined, we can see how Hakimi’s contributions have evolved over time, ultimately becoming a cornerstone of PSG’s attacking lineup.
As the football world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hakimi and PSG navigate the changing landscape of the game, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest forwards of all time.