The Real Madrid icon believes Zidane is still missing Ronaldo’s goals and has suggested a striker who could fill the void.
Jorge Valdano has suggested Erling Haaland could be the ideal striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid’s newest goal machine.
It’s been two-and-a-half-years already since Ronaldo’s departure. Real Madrid have experienced their fair share of highs and lows in this period, having suffered back-to-back exits in the Champions League last-16 but winning a La Liga title at the same time.
And while Karim Benzema has impressed as the club’s chief goalscorer, Valdano reckons the Frenchman hasn’t filled Ronaldo’s boots.
“Since Cristiano left, Madrid is missing one goal per game; the Madrid of now has no specialist goalscorer,” the former Real Madrid forward and manager told El Transistor.
“Real Madrid has one face for great occasions and another for lesser occasions.”
Zinedine Zidane’s side recently suffered a shock semi-final exit in the Spanish Super Cup to eventual winners Athletic Club Bilbao last week. They’re also four points behind pacesetters Atletico Madrid in the league title battle, albeit having played two more games.
But in Borussia Dortmund attacker Haaland, there could be a glimmer of hope for Real Madrid.
“Haaland is a superior talent,” Valdano pointed out.
“He is a machine, he shows things that are not seen in the world of football. He has enormous power, he is a player that excites me.”
Real Madrid return to action on Wednesday for a Copa del Rey tie against Spanish third-tier club Alcoyano.
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