Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticised of late following a recent dip in form that has even seen people questioning his mental state and worth to the Real side. The Portuguese international, 30, suffered somewhat of a goal drought that saw him fail to score in three games in all competitions, with critics arguing Los Blancos stood a better chance of league and European success without Ronaldo in the team.
In the games of his drought, his performance levels were a lot lower, and he even picked up a red card for petulance. But a goal and an assist in a 2-0 away win against Schalke in the Champions League has seemingly silenced the nay-sayers for now. Not the first time Real were bailed out by the talented forward, but was the criticism ever justified? It’s easy to forget the 30-year-old is the top La Liga scorer this season (20 games, 28 goals), the second-highest assist-maker (10), and is in the top-five for chances created per game on average (2.2). Many have questioned his team ethic due to his penchant for solo runs and long range efforts, when there are better-placed teammates available, but it’s such self-confidence that sees him deliver moments of magic.
Ronaldo is guilty of selfishness at times, but his goal contribution and creativity shows just how much the Spaniards would lose if he left – let alone him having created more chances, which has resulted in more assists made than any of his club teammates. Real cannot be without him. The former Manchester United forward scored 17 goals in 11 Champions League games as the La Liga leaders won the prestigious European cup last season – the tenth in their history. Ronaldo scored in the final against Atletico Madrid, and has been setting records with his phenomenal knack of goal-getting.
The Portuguese international scored 31 goals in 30 league games in 2013/14, but is only three shy of matching that tally this season, despite having played 10 games less so far. So for critics to suggest he’s bad for Real due to his obsession with individual brilliance, the history books have proven it’s more than vindicated. No other player in the world is match his goal contributions at the top level, and it’s so far seen Real top of the league table, and with one foot into the Champions League quarter-finals.
He’s an exceptional player, and one that only comes around in a generation. Real Madrid need Ronaldo, and his contribution to the side is too great to ever consider the two will part ways before he hangs up his boots. So was the criticism and theories heavy-handed and premature about Ronaldo‘s mental state?
