Real Madrid Legend Raul Reveals Ronaldo Secrets, Pinpoints One Weakness
Mar 17, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Real Madrid legend Raúl discussed Cristiano’s new role in an interview with German magazine ‘Kicker’, and also spoke of Messi and Kroos.
Raúl rarely misses an opportunity to praise Cristian Ronaldo. In an interview with German magazine ‘Kicker’, he discussed the Portuguese’ new role at Real Madrid.
“Cristiano is playing closer to the box, and that is difficult”, said the former Real Madrid captain, “But please, he still maintains his ability. Perhaps he doesn’t have the same freshness and pace as before, but that is normal for his age. He may stop trying to take players on as much, but we have been spoiled.”
In his previous seven campaigns at the club, Real have relied on Ronaldo scoring in almost every game.
The 32-year-old has rested this season more than in previous years, starting in 21 of Real’s 26 league games, scoring 19 goals but failing to find the back of the net in eight of those games.
Real coach Zinedine Zidane has moved Ronaldo to a more central striking role and although he has come up with four assists in eight Champions League appearances, he has scored in the competition only twice this season.
Raúl has been impressed by Ronaldo’s form.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner and the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the year, Ronaldo received great acclaim following an impressive 2016 which saw him lift the Champions League trophy with his club and the European Championship with his country.
He scored 35 league goals in 36 games to help Real finish runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga and struck 16 goals in 12 Champions League appearances, including the winning penalty in the final against Atletico Madrid.
“Cristiano has won the Ballon D’or this year, and up until this point, has had a good season. Now the business-end of the season is approaching, and that is where the main actors appear. I hope that he continues his good form.’
Asked about the unremitting comparisons with Lionel Messi, Raúl remained coy: ‘football is not an individual sport, it is about the team, and success comes as a team. I like both of them, but what Cristiano has done in front of goal, to score 50 goals or more each season, it’s honourable.’
Raúl also spoke about Toni Kroos, for whom he ran out of superlatives.
“The Madrid midfield of Modric, Casemiro, and Kroos complement each other very well. They’re all world class. Kroos? Kroos is fundamental to the team.”