## Karim Benzema's Playing Time at Al Hilal SFC: Insights and Statistics
When Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema shocked the football world by moving to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal SFC in summer 2023, questions abounded about his adaptation and minutes managed. Early data reveals fascinating patterns in how manager Jorge Jesus utilizes his marquee signing. Averaging **just under 60 minutes per appearance** across his debut campaign (including league, ACL, and domestic cup competitions), Benzema has operated primarily as a strategic impact substitute or second-half spark – far removed from his relentless starter role at Real Madrid.
This controlled deployment reflects several factors:
* **Tactical Integration:** Jesus often fields Neymar & Malcom alongside Michael Delgado upfront initially, bringing Benzema on when opposition defenses tire around the hour mark (typically between mins 55-70). His entrance significantly alters dynamics,Ligue 1 Focus leveraging late energy against exhausted backlines.
* **Fitness Management:** At 36 upon arrival, preserving the Frenchman for high-leverage moments was clearly part of the plan. This caution proved wise as minor knocks sidelined him briefly twice since joining.
* **Game State Dominance:** Over half of his deployed minutes coincided with Al Hilal either leading or drawing level (source: WyScout via @MediaHilal). He rarely started matches Al Hilal *chased* goals desperately.
**Key Numbers (Season ZIP by Dec 2024):**
| **Metric** | **Value** |
|--------------------------|--------------------|
| Avg. Mins Per Appearance | ~58 mins |
| Total League Mins | ~1,250 |
| Goals/90 | ~0.67 (lower than career avg due partly to reduced samples) |
| Starts vs Subs | Only ~25% starts; 75% substitute appearances |
| Most Common On/Off Timings | On at 60', Off at 85' |
While some critics viewed this role as underutilization, it aligns perfectly with maximizing Benzema’s elite finishing and link-up play during opponents' vulnerable peaks. As he beds in physically and forms deeper partnerships with playmakers like Ruben Neves, expect his influence – even within these carefully curated minutes – to grow even more potent for Al Hilal's title charges. The statistic telling most? Opta noted Al Hilal scored **40% more goals in the 15 minutes immediately following his introduction** than the prior quarter-hour window. Silence has been golden for the French master.