Explosive winger has found his feet in La Liga

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas told Revista that Cristiano Ronaldo can power Real Madrid to treble glory this season.

Ronaldo reminded everyone of his potency at the weekend by bagging the opening two goals in Real’s 5-0 win over Xerez to take his tally to six strikes in four games.

And Casillas believes the former Manchester United winger, who moved to Spain in an £80m deal this summer, will go on to leave an indelible mark on the club as part of a side that boasts an incredible array of talent.

“Yes, he has explosive moments,” Casillas told Revista. “He has great pace and is very quick with his feet. They (Ronaldo and Kaka) are different types of player both with great quality but with different styles of play.

“Kaka is more of an elegant player who pays great attention to detail with every touch whilst Cristiano is explosive and strong.”

Impact

Casillas is impressed by the way in which Ronaldo has acclimatised to his new surrounds given the sizeable changes in his life.

“I think that he is adapting well and that people are exaggerating things. His whole life has changed,” he said.

“He was used to life in Manchester even slight details like the changes in climate have an impact.

“I think that he is happy to be closer to his family in Portugal but he has to get used to his new home, the get to know what makes his teammates click. I think that we are all adjusting well to the changes and that he will be very happy here.”

Development

With such an impressive cast-list at the Bernabeu it’s no surprise that Casillas believes meritocracy within a squad that includes Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzem and Xabi Alonso will lead to impressive returns on the pitch.

“Form what he (Kaka) has told me he was aware of the fact that Madrid were going to do something special over the summer,” he said. “I think that the prospect of playing with so many great players is a big draw for any player.

“It is not just about your personal development as players but there is also the prospect of collective development at a club like this.

“Xabi Alonso has achieved his dream of joining Real Madrid; there are some that say he should have joined us five years ago.

“But now he brings such great experience, especially after the success he has had with the national team.

“Now alongside the kind of players we have here his football is going to go to the next level. He is very happy to be at this club and to be in the city.

“The atmosphere here, the sun and the people all of that has helped him hit the ground running.”

Fresh

It was another new face, though, that riled Ronaldo at the weekend when manager Manuel Pellegrini, appointed by Florentino Perez in June, substituted the winger after 80 minutes – evidence to Casillas that each player will have to prove their worth to the Chilean boss.

“When a new coach arrives what happens is that all of the players start over with a fresh atmosphere on a level playing field. You don’t know who is going to be in the starting eleven.

“It is going to be a long, hard season but we have a strong squad and we are looking to succeed in the three competitions that we are involved in.”