Ronaldo has been subjected to criticism following his lackluster performances in Real Madrid’s defeats to Sevilla and Celta Vigo.
The new year hasn’t been fair to 2016’s world best player, and it is quite unfortunate the iconic number 7 is doing a little to upturn his fortune. Even in a game in which he scored his side’s only goal as they suffered defeat for the first time in 41 games, Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact versus Sevilla was nothing to write home about.
Friendly reminder, Real Madrid won 3-2,3-0 and drew 3-3 vs Sevilla WITHOUT RONALDO, but lost today during his anonymous presence
— MascheranoStats (@MascheranoStats) January 15, 2017
This was subsequently coupled with another poor display against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey. Yet again, a misfiring CR7 could not justify his inclusion in Zinedine Zidane’s star-studded setup. The European giants lost 2:1 at home to the Celticos, marking their first back-to-back defeat since January 2016.
In Jose Felix Diaz’s latest editorial, the MARCA journalist was extremely critical of Madrid’s highest paid player. A few excerpts from his piece read as follows:
“Their [Real Madrid’s] lackluster displays this season have coincided with a dip in form from Ronaldo since the turn of the new year.
“At the height of his powers, the Ballon d’Or winner was the focal point of Real Madrid’s success, bringing in the club’s 11th Champions League crown and a subsequent Club World Cup title too.
“Now, though, apart from his successful penalty attempt to open the scoring against Sevilla on Sunday, his movement has been sluggish and out of sync, and he’s made little contribution to the collective good in general.”
Verily, Mr. Diaz has hit all the right notes to compliment his abstract observations regarding the subject in question. However, Ronaldo’s coach believes it will be unfair to shift all the blame on the club’s poster-boy.
The Frenchman was quick to take the bullet, attributing his side’s recent losses to his failure to identify the problem with his team.
“I’m the one responsible and I must find the solution,” Zidane stated in his press conference after the Celta game.
“I wasn’t surprised by the way Celta played, as we knew that they’re a team that can really hurt you.
“I’m not worried, although it’s a bad moment. We know that we can overcome it and we are going to overcome it.”
The Merengues’ manager is indeed part to blame, considering his experimentation with the 3-5-2 system hasn’t really yielded any notable results. His team has been defeated in both of the games in which this questionable system was employed.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has thrived as a wide-man in Real Madrid’s attack for years, is given a less-familiar role of playing upfront as a striker. If the recent games have taught us anything, it is that Zidane’s gamble hasn’t paid off.
Honestly speaking, it was Zidane’s fault.. 3-5-2 is an old style of formation in football..
— ♚Måпsür Cσσмassɪe♚ (@maans_) January 15, 2017
Hhahahahah zidane finally failed us 3-5-2 hmmmm these formation naver in madrid.
— Musa Almustapha (@MusaAlmustapha4) January 15, 2017
One may suspect crisis brewing, but many Madridistas still believe their main man will find his feet soon. Having been treated to a 40-game unbeaten streak, die-hard supporters are rallying behind Cristiano Ronaldo as his goals helped ‘The Whites’ to surpass Barcelona’s 39-game streak. However, It is up to the four-time Ballon d’Or winner to repay their faith in him.
They said it’s The End, while it was only the Beginning.
Keep on hating, it makes him unstoppable! pic.twitter.com/fGGcH9r9qK
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TeamCRonaldo) January 18, 2017
If you can’t support him during the bad times, don’t support him during the good times. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/UEBs1JDP2F
— TheCRonaldoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) January 19, 2017
Hey, haters, remember this? ? pic.twitter.com/RRIwyeVkqS
— CR7 Fans | Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) January 19, 2017
