The statistic where Cristiano Ronaldo is falling behind Lionel Messi
The Real Madrid man's free-kicks aren't what they once were according to the data
Cristiano Ronaldo’s always considered himself an excellent free-kick taker. That reputation has allowed to him have exclusive rights to Real Madrid and Portugal’s set plays. However, in recent years the statistics don’t read so well.
While Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick in this week’s World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Colombia, Ronaldo’s lost his golden touch a little.
According to statistics from @2010MisterChip, free-kicks for both club and country have become a nightmare for the Portuguese star. In his last 150 attempts -- which stretches across the last three seasons -- he’s only scored six goals, which is four percent of his efforts.
Últimas 150 faltas lanzadas por Cristiano (club y selección):
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) 6 de noviembre de 2016
> 6 goles
> 62 a la barrera
> 40 fuera
> 40 paradas por el portero
> 2 al palo
Those figures are joined by Ronaldo’s worst start to the season for Madrid since he joined from Manchester United in 2009. He has gone five games without scoring at the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, in the last three seasons, Messi has scored nine free-kick goals for Barça, while he’s scored three for Argentina in the last year.
However, according to statistics on michaelacosta.com, Ronaldo has scored more career free-kicks than Messi. While the Barça man has scored 29 (5.51 percent of his career goals), Ronaldo has scored 47 (8.36 percent).
If anything, though, that just proves the alarming dip in the 31-year-old’s free-kick taking ability.
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