The 2022/23 season should mark the beginning of a big rivalry between Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.
Who turns out to be a better striker if we compare their stats?
Goal contributions
Lewandowski is a better goalscorer, Benzema is a better playmaker – it’s as simple as that.
Interestingly, though, if we don’t include penalty kicks in the comparison, the two are equal in terms of goals plus assists per 90 minutes.
Expected goals
Lewandowski scored 50 goals with an xG of 42; Benzema bagged 44 goals with an xG of 32.
What does this tell us? Benzema is a bit better than Lewandowski at scoring from difficult positions. The Frenchman massively overperforms his xG stats, unlike Lewandowski who scores just a bit more goals than he should.
Shooting
Lewandowski is a better – and a more active – shooter than Benzema.
However, Karim is a bit more clinical when it comes to shots on target.
Areas covered
Lewandowski’s 2021/22 heat map in Bundesliga
Benzema’s 2021/22 heat map in LaLiga
Already by looking at these maps, one can say Benzema does more work in the buildup than the Polish striker.
That is true – Lewandowski is a more classic inside-the-box forward; here is another stat to prove it 👇
Passing
Even though Lewandowski made a few more appearances in the Bundesliga than Benzema in La Liga last season, he is still way behind the Frenchman in the most passing stats.
Defensive actions
Lewandowski is not a lazy striker who just waits for the ball to come to his feet. He pressures the opposition a lot and is active defensively.
The 33-year-old beats Benzema in pressures, tackles, interceptions, recoveries and even blocks.
What else Lewandowski is better than Benzema at?
At fouls drawn (44 against 12) – although Benzema is generally better at dribbling – and winning aerials (49% against 30%).
Conclusion
Lewandowski is currently a better goalscorer and a shooter while Benzema is a bit more helpful in the build-up, proving how complete he is.
Let’s just sit and enjoy the two strikers in their prime, hoping that Lewandowski will carry his crazy goalscoring form to La Liga.