# Zinedine Zidane's Analysis of Benzema's Passing Ability at Al Ittihad Club

**Introduction**

Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French manager and former Real Madrid star, has always been known for his tactical acumen and ability to extract the best from his players. During his tenure at Al Ittihad Club, Zidane worked closely with striker Karim Benzema, and one of the key aspects of Benzema's game that Zidane highlighted was his passing ability. In this article, we delve into Zidane's analysis of Benzema's passing skills and how they contributed to the success of Al Ittihad.

**Zidane's Impact on Benzema's Development**

When Zidane joined Al Ittihad in 2019, Benzema was already a proven goal scorer but was often criticized for his lack of creativity and defensive contributions. Zidane immediately saw potential in Benzema's ability to exploit defensive gaps and recognized that his passing could be a game-changer. Zidane implemented a system that emphasized fluidity in attack, where Benzema's role as a false nine involved a lot of movement and precise passing.

**Evolution of Benzema's Passing Ability**

Under Zidane's guidance, Benzema's passing evolved significantly. Zidane worked on Benzema's ability to read the game, pinpoint accurate passes, and use the outside of his feet to bypass defenders. One of Benzema's most notable traits under Zidane was his ability to deliver the ball into the box with precision, especially when cutting inside from the right. Zidane often praised Benzema's unselfishness, stating that he prioritized setting up his teammates over scoring himself.

**Importance to Al Ittihad's Style of Play**

Zidane's emphasis on passing fit seamlessly into Al Ittihad's philosophy of possession-based football. The club's style of play relied on quick one-twos, interchange between attackers, and intelligent passing to break down defenses. Benzema's ability to execute these plays perfectly complemented his teammates, making him a pivotal figure in Al Ittihad's attack. Zidane often mentioned that Benzema's passing was crucial in creating chances out of seemingly impossible situations.

**Conclusion**

Zinedine Zidane's analysis of Benzema's passing ability highlights how a world-class striker can evolve into a playmaker who dictates the game. At Al Ittihad, Benzema's passing became a cornerstone of the team's attacking strategy, proving that his contributions extended far beyond just scoring goals. Zidane's ability to unlock Benzema's potential and integrate him into the team's system was a masterclass in coaching, and Benzema's performance under Zidane remains a testament to his tactical genius.

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