Ronaldo's not untouchable - Benitez
The Real Madrid coach insists he would be willing
to bench his star forward, but thinks his team
benefit from having such a quality player on the
pitch all the timeRafa Benitez says it is a “myth”
that Cristiano Ronaldo is untouchable in his Real
Madrid starting XI, despite being “the best player
in the world”.
The Portugal international is one of only three
players – alongside goalkeeper Keylor Navas and
left-back Marcelo – to have played every single
minute of action so far in 2015-16.
This contrasts with the repeat substitutions of
striker Karim Benzema, who has become “fed up”
of rarely playing an entire match; but Benitez is
adamant Ronaldo isn't getting special treatment
and could be dropped if it helped the Blancos win.
“To say he enjoys untouchable status is another
myth,” he told Cadena SER. “I talk to Cristiano
every day, he will be given rest when he needs
rest.
“Otherwise, he will give his maximum for the
team, we agree on that aspect. He's always on
the field because he's always creating and
scoring goals. But I wouldn't hesitate to bench
him.”
Benitez also reiterated that Ronaldo, who has won
three Ballons d'Or during his prodigious career, is
unmatched by Lionel Messi, Neymar or anyone
else in world football right now.
“Cristiano is a great professional and an incredible
footballer,” the former Liverpool and Napoli coach
added. “It doesn't faze me training him, though,
that's beyond doubt.
“Our relationship is getting better and better. For
me, he is the best player in the world.”
Real Madrid are second in La Liga after seven
games, one point behind surprise leaders
Villarreal and level with arch-rivals Barcelona.
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