A cut above the rest!: How have Al-Hilal turned into "Saudi Arabia's Galacticos" after signing Karim Benzema?

Karim Benzema's addition has taken Al-Hilal to a completely different level. (Image credits – Heute; Licence Details) 

Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema early in February after the Frenchman left rival club Al Ittihad on a free transfer. His arrival seems to have uplifted the strength of an already dominant Hilal side.

This move brought criticism from even Cristiano Ronaldo, who protested against the shared Saudi PIF ownership over favouritism towards Al-Hilal. However, Benzema’s impact has already started to sow its seeds.

In his debut match against Al-Okhdood, the former Real Madrid superstar bagged a sensational hat-trick along with an assist as Al-Hilal marched to a one-sided 6-0 victory.

Simeone Inzaghi's side are now top of the table with 50 points and haven't lost a single game so far in the league. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr trail behind the leaders by just three points, but the difference in depth and quality between the two sides is huge now.

The club had already been the most dominating side in the Saudi Pro League, having won the league last year as well. They also hold the record for the most titles (21) and have also lifted the AFC Champions League Elite four times.

Benzema's arrival not only added depth to the side’s already star-studded attack but also added experience and leadership inside the dressing room. Hilal were going through a rough run of form recently, but Benzema's arrival has instantly made the frontline seamless inside the opposition half.

The way Al-Hilal clicked in their last game, they are now easily the favourites to defend the Saudi Pro League title. This squad on paper is easily one of the strongest in Asia, and with Benzema scoring at a rate of 40 goals per season, there's no stopping them now.

With their strong performances, the club are expected to make even bigger signings in the summer window and increase the gap in quality with their rivals. Overall, the Frenchman’s arrival has made Al-Hilal even stronger and definitely the team to beat in Saudi Arabia. 

Benzema has scored 11 goals so far in the league, coming back from an injury, which is an incredible feat at the age of 38. If he remains fit, at this rate he will touch the 30-goal mark this season too.

"It was an important game today. So we are happy, we play well, we do a clean sheet and we score, so we are happy," Benzema said following the game. (sic)

"Everybody is good with me; they give me everything, so when I am on the pitch, I give everything for them," he added. (sic)