Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 Biggest Faults with the Real Madrid Star

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Cristiano Ronaldo might be the greatest player of our generation, but that doesn't mean he's a perfect footballer. On the contrary, he still has a lot to learn if he wants to become the greatest footballer of all time.

The Portuguese has become synonymous with an all-around performer in recent history, but is he really the complete player?

Continue reading and find out what faults Ronaldo needs to overcome.

Diving

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Perhaps the greatest criticism and generalisation about Ronaldo has always been his diving.

It is also probably the main reason why the opposition fans rarely show respect and admiration for him and why even his most loyal fans usually agree that his diving is both awful and ridiculous at the same time.

The Real Madrid star has had his share of pathetic dives—just like any other player in the world, to be honest—but signs of improvement can already be seen.

The Portuguese seems to have finally started maturing.

Temperamental Character

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How many times did you see Ronaldo opposing the referee's decision?

The sad truth is that you would probably need months and months to figure that one out.

The Portuguese's tendency to start quarrels with referee and opposing players on a regular basis has been well recorded, and it sometimes affects his game too much.

However, it should be noted that the Real Madrid No. 7 rarely indulges in fights and violent arguments. 

Leadership

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Somewhat related to Ronaldo's temperamental character is his leadership.

As I already mentioned, the Portuguese is often involved in needless quarrels and loses his temper too quickly. His diving does not help either.

The indifference and apathy toward his teammate's struggles, brawls and bust-ups he displays can be truly irritating at times. A great leader doesn't stand by, but Ronaldo apparently still hasn't learned that.

I'm not saying Ronaldo is a dreadful leader, but his leadership skills leave a lot to be desired.

Off-Field Behaviour

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Ronaldo is probably the most arrogant and immature player in La Liga.

Whenever the Portuguese gets a chance to talk to the media, he manages to disappoint his fans. His comments, inconsiderate and reckless, have created him an army of haters, which in turn has caused him to perform under his standards at times.

Perhaps none interview sums up his arrogance and immaturity better than the one he took after the Champions League match with Dinamo Zagreb last year. Here's what the Real Madrid star said:

"I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation." (The Guardian)

As an on-field leader of both Real Madrid and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo needs to stop making cynical and immature remarks in the media.

Free Kicks

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One of the most overlooked faults with Ronaldo's game are his free kicks.

The biggest criticism concerning Ronaldo's free kicks has to be his determination to shoot even when there are better options—just try thinking when was the last time Ronaldo played a short pass or sent in a cross from a free kick.

The Portuguese usually tries to replicate Roberto Carlos' free kicks, striking the ball with much power, but most of the time the ball ends up in the stands, hurting innocent fans. 

Ronaldo is not the greatest free-kick taker in the world. Mastering the art of taking free kicks will take some time.