Cristiano Ronaldo just can't seem to get up steam this season. The prolific attacker is really noticing the changes Carlos Ancelotti has introduced to the tactics of both the new Real Madrid team and his new position. Now he has to stick closer to the opposing goalmouth and has less room to strut his stuff with the ball.
Ever since he joined the club, the Portuguese goal-machine has been the undisputed king of the left-wing. Up until now, that is. In his newly assigned position, he has to fight more for possession of the ball, and even receive it with his back to goal and shake off tough defenders that frustrate his attempts to turn and shoot.
Right from day one, Carlo Ancelotti wanted to give him more freedom: "Ronaldo doesn't need to do much work at the back. He needs to be ready when the team has the ball". But to date, he has found himself struggling to find his place in the new Real Madrid.
After scoring 6 goals in a promising pre-season, the striker has yet to find the back of the net in a league match. And the situation is taking its toll on 'Los Blancos'. The forward has made 20 attempts on goal in two matches (against Betis and Granada), 8 of which were deflected by awaiting defenders.
The statistics are telling of the difficulties CR7 faces this year as he tries to adapt to his new role as an out and out striker. Time will tell. Last year, he had a similar start to the season but finally got into his stride and scored a total of 34 goals in his last league with Mourinho.
