Real Madrid celebrates Karim Benzema's opening goal in the recent Madrid derby. (Photo : Getty Images)
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. (Photo : Reuters)
Before you jump to conclusions, please just hear me out. I think this question needs to be genuinely asked. Real Madrid is a team that are joint top of La Liga have been in reasonable form.
Starman Ronaldo did get five goals in a match, but the Portuguese attacker drew a blank against Paris Saint-Germain in yesterday's draw in Paris. It has been a common theme in the big games, the game against local rivals Atletico Madrid also ended in a draw when Real should have won that one.
Real boss Rafa Benitez was really criticized in that game, to be honest, I can see where the critics are coming from. The former Real youth team coach has been seen as a bit negative in big games, the Madrid derby was a prime example of that.
Again the match in Paris I feel Real would have won, but last night they were uninspiring. I don't want to disrespect the opposition, PSG do have world class talent such as Ibrahimovic and Di Maria for example.
Karim Benzema keeps getting substituted in matches, something which has irked the Frenchman, a talent such as Benzema's needs to be looked after. I appreciate that Rafa has a dilemma with the fact that Ronaldo isn't as quick he used to be, the goal poachers instinct is still there of course - but this seasons has been in bursts.
There are problems at Real Madrid, they don't look as fluid as they have been in recent years. When Carlo Ancelotti was in charged, Real was much more fluid in attack. On the flip side, it could be argued that Real was far too open, for example, Toni Kroos might be a defensive midfielder, but he isn't a holding player.
Asir Illheramandi, for example, is a player that would have complimented that side. Madrid this season might not be as fluent in the attacking sense, but it must be stated that Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas has only conceded two goals in 10 games.
This isn't a Madrid side that many have been accustomed to this year, but they are hard to beat. Is Real in crisis? I would say no - but Real need to address a few things such as the role Ronaldo has in the team. Until this is sorted, murmurs will continue.
Real may be winning, but the fans at the Bernabeu will demand a certain style and if they don't don't get that, you would feel it would be adios Senior Benitez.
