Player Review:
Cristiano Ronaldo
A rich run of form recently including a run of goals and assists, showing that he truly is a class act and late season bloomer.
Stats:
Appearances: 33 (9 as sub)
Breakdown:
Premiership: 21 (5)
Europe: 8 (6)
FA Cup: 1 (6)
League Cup: 3
Goals: 9
Cards:
7: yellow
1: red
Goalscoring � 8
Ronaldo’s scoring talents have not been demonstrated thus far- as recently pointed out by the King, Eric Cantona, in The Daily Telegraph. Often accused of being selfish and a show-off, when a simple pass would have done the trick- at least Ronaldo isn’t afraid to have a go. And with Ryan Giggs and Ji-Sung Park on the other flank, Manchester United are looking dangerous in terms of goalscoring threats from all sides. Ronaldo also has an excellent head and can be a real danger at corners. Needs to test the goalkeeper more from free kicks, though.
Attacking Play � 9
One of the best. Silky, smooth and genuine pace. Perhaps goes down too easily and overdoes the theatrics, but Cristiano and Park are securing this part of Sir Alex‘s dream of his “third great team“.
Defensive Qualities � 6
Obviously not Ronaldo’s strongest attribute. Nevertheless, he is making more effort these days to track back and help Gary Neville out.
Passing & Link up play � 8
Ji-Sung Park could teach Ronaldo a thing or two about this department of play! Again, there is improvement, but he needs more faith in the ability of his teamates.
Fitness and Attitude � 7
Seemingly has the occasional emotional or psychological breakdown- but he is young still. His fitness throughout a particular game seems pretty good- but match-on-match, there is a lack of consistency that must question his mental as well as physical fitness- not seeming “up” for the task in certain games.
Overall Score� 9
With all the ups and downs, and the love-hate relationship we all, as Man United supporters- seem to have- the jury is still out on Cristiano Ronaldo. But at least for this month Manchester United Blog is happy to announce that Cristiano Ronaldo is our:
Player of the Month.