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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Lawrence Ostlere

Is Karim Benzema the deadliest finisher in Europe? The data behind the world’s best goalscorers

Karim Benzema Europe UEFA Champions League Cristiano Ronaldo Lazio Ciro Immobile Tammy Abraham Lewandowski Lionel Messi Son HeungMin Liverpool
Getty Images

After one of Karim Benzema’s 10 goals during the Champions League knockouts, someone on BT Sport’s commentary team declared we were watching “the best finisher in the world”.

It is hard to argue (though we will). Benzema has had an incredible season, scoring 44 goals in 45 games, including 15 in the Champions League which puts in reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 17 in a single campaign – Benzema scored hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, and it is not unimaginable that he might leave Saturday’s final against Liverpool with the match ball under his arm and Ronaldo’s record too.

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