By Thomas Rooney
If there is one thing that Cristiano Ronaldo loves doing, it is scoring goals, it is something he takes a great deal of pride in. He can put one away from every angle, in any game and with a mixture of power and skill. Ronaldo knows where the back of the net is.
This hasn't been the case in the last few weeks though. In fact, he is yet to score for Real Madrid in 2010. When you consider that he found the net in each of his first four games for the club, this is something of a goal drought for the former Manchester United man.
When a man that cost £80 million goes any period of time without finding the back of the net, the media make sure it is brought up in conversation. Has he fully recovered from his injury? Is he still in winter break mode? Has his lack of goals contributed to an indifferent run of form for the team?
Whatever questions have been raised though, the player himself is remaining defiant. Speaking about not scoring for a few weeks, Ronaldo said that he is 'not worried' because his next goal will 'come naturally' in the not too distant future.
The reality is that Real Madrid need their star man firing now more than ever though. They lost their last game in the league to Athletic Bilbao and sit five points behind fierce rivals Barcelona at the top of the table.
It is a crucial stage of the season for them and in the next few games - including the return to Champions League action in February - they need their big names, like Ronaldo, to start hitting top form.
His goals will be vital in boosting Real Madrid's La Liga chances.
It has to be said that the Portugal International normally steps up his game when he needs to most. He certainly did it at crucial times for Manchester United. With this in mind, nobody will be surprised to see him hit a goal scoring purple patch in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini will certainly be hoping so, if he does, expect Real Madrid's Champions League odds to start tumbling.
