Former long-time Bayern Munich defender and French national team left-back Bixente Lizarazu claims that Karim Benzema's absence reduces the team's chances of triumph in the 2016 European Championship.
On June 10, the EURO 2016 tournament kicks off in France. K. Benzema is demonstrating the best form of his career this season at Real Madrid, but due to the scandal with Mathieu Valbuena, the forward was removed from the national team by the federation's decision.
B. Lizarazu believes that this decision of the French Football Federation is not fair, as the national team will particularly miss an experienced and one of the best players in his position. However, the former French footballer puts his hope on Antoine Griezmann, who is also showing great form at Atletico Madrid.
"In terms of sporting principles, this loss will be a huge blow to the team," Lizarazu mentioned about K. Benzema's absence. "We will be without our most talented forward. He is one of the most experienced players in the national team and is currently in top form at the club."
"When you can choose players from a club like Real Madrid, you cannot dismiss this opportunity," continued the former defender, who is currently engaged in martial arts.
At the end, B. Lizarazu added: "Luckily, there is Antoine Griezmann. To some extent, he can compensate for Benzema's absence. During friendly matches, he took on the role of a leader and handled it well with him. As for Martial and Coman, they are very young, so it would be a mistake to expect too much from them."
