Cristiano Ronaldo's free kicks just the start of his decline...

Cristiano Ronaldo's free kicks just the start of his decline...

Real Madrid are beginning to worry about Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star has not taken off this season - even if he has scored 30 goals in 29 games. The win over Granada (2-1) was another example of him not being decisive in tight games. In addition, he's long since been struggling from free kicks, scoring just three of his last 100, including Portugal games. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is becoming a hindrance for his team and this data - just three free kick goals from his last 100 efforts - is more than significant. It seems he's losing his aim. Even the 'retired' Zinedine Zidane, his coach, still takes better free kicks...

Elsewhere, the poor moment Ronaldo is experiencing means he no longer participates in his team's moves. He doesn't even seem to be as angry if they don't pass him the ball. He has just turned 31 and everything suggests his decline has already started. 

However, Ronaldo does seem angry at times, albeit against rivals. On five occasions this season he has hit out at players on the opposite team. Five acts of aggression that have not been punished by any of the referees, who either didn't see or chose not to see the Portuguese's actions. 

Despite not missing any league (23) or Champions League (6) game, Ronaldo has also been unable to score against any big teams this season (Barcelona, Atletico, Villarreal, Valencia, Sevilla, Athletic, PSG) nor has he been able to break through in tight games (Real Betis, Granada, Malaga, Sporting Gijon...). His goals have primarily come in big wins. His professional future is very much up for debate.