Eh... I'd rather say Benzema is a great player who is actually 5th highest scorer in UCL history and has better ratio than Henry himself in that competition. And it's even more impressive when you consider that Benzema had to compete with Higuain/Adebayor for playing time, being 3rd fiddle in Madrid's attacking line since Bale's arrival.
And regarding Benzema's contributions for France, I disagree. IIRC, he completed the 3rd most dribbles for all players, and had most chances created in the French team. Reminder that in 2012 this was the peak of (by their standards) the shitty French NT with average L1 players being called to be starters. Also, Benzema helped France qualifying for World Cup in Brazil and was their best playing in the tournament.
I'd be interesting to see him playing with Pogba, Griezmann who're much more matured and others from that French golden generation.
You're right to say Benzema is a great player. Great stats and impressive consistency. Of course, he should be the CF of France instead of Giroud and it's a pity not to see the association Griezmann-Benzema-Dembélé-M'Bappé
That said, he was given the opportunity to be the main man of that France team by ALL the previous national teams coaches - including Deschamps - in the last 10 years. Indeed, his 1st cap was in 2007. It means something is wrong with him: I don't want to elaborate on this point via diverse examples but look at his role in the Valbuena scandal. Also, what was his impact at the Euro 08, WC 10 (not selected because of his "communication skills" I'd say), Euro 12 and the WC 14?
You like stats
so I can say Benzema didn't score a single goal in 12 consecutive games with France i.e.1,222 consecutive minutes. Henry is the #1 top scorer with France: 51 goals versus 27 for Benzema. Henry was both a great player (instrumental at the Euro 00 and WC 98 victories, the WC 06) and a great man
.You mention the stats of Henry but please don't ignore the context: Arsenal team versus the super power Real Madrid, not the same competitive landscape.
You say France 2012 was shitty but it's the role of a great player to make everybody - including the NT coach - better.
To sum up my views, Benzema can only blame himself not to have played the Euro 16 at home and not to be part of the next World Cup.