Jorge Valdano Says Real Madrid Is ‘Over-Reliant’ On Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano has stated that he feels the club is often over-reliant on star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, so much that they often struggle without the Portuguese player.

Jorge Valdano Says Real Madrid Is ‘Over-reliant’ On Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has scored 33 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions, and also played a crucial role in Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League win over Roma on Wednesday by netting the opening goal.

He has been criticized, however, for not scoring goals in any of Madrid’s key games this term, and Valdano has expressed doubt as to whether the team’s current lineup can make a difference without him.

“Real Madrid are heavily reliant on Cristiano and this is not helpful for the balance in the team,” Valdano told Cadena Ser. “Madrid are only at their best when Cristiano is at his best. It has been like this for the past five years or so. Madrid are a team with a lot of talent, but there are too many players who want the ball at their feet.”

Ronaldo has scored in 16 of 31 games this season, and Madrid has lost nine out of the 15 games Ronaldo has failed to score in. However, they have won every game Ronaldo has scored in.