Real Madrid: Is the Criticism for Cristiano Ronaldo Unjust?

Cristiano Ronaldo is evidently a much-criticised player in La Liga. But is that criticism unjust, or is the world's most expensive player deserving of the harsh words the media and fans dish out following a poor performance?

The fallout from one of the recent Clasicos is a prime example of the criticism aimed at the Portuguese winger. He failed to make in impact in the game, squandering a number of chances that a player of his calibre should comfortably put away, and he quickly became the brunt of much of the anger following another failed attempt to put Barcelona to the sword.

But while his criticism is debatable, what exactly constitutes fair criticism? Or better yet, harsh criticism?

For Ronaldo, it was a case of missing two golden opportunities for Real Madrid to set them up for a win. The result of that match and Ronaldo's failure to impose himself on the game in the way that Lionel Messi does led to many bringing up the tired question of whether the Madrid forward is a big game player.

A tired question? Absolutely. Ronaldo has imposed himself and his abilities countless times in important fixtures. He was prominent in the 2008 Champions League final for Manchester United—despite missing one of the penalties in the shootout—he was able to rise above others and grab the Copa del Rey for Madrid in yet another Clasico, and has been one of the focal points of Jose Mourinho's impressive Madrid side this season.

At the same time, no player is devoid of criticism, although some might feel a little uncomfortable dishing out unfavourable opinions of players of the quality of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—such is their standing in world football.

But equally, what can be said about Ronaldo following his £80million move to the Bernabeu? Yes, his misfires on that night against Barcelona were significant, but he bounced back in the following game to help put six past Sevilla. His performance the next time Barcelona and Madrid met was again head and shoulders above what we saw in their previous meeting.

Some might look to his conversion rate from dead-ball situations this season and note that his productivity hasn't been as high as we've seen from him in the past. But his reliability from the penalty spot can hardly be brought into question. His goals tally overall for Madrid is phenomenal, he's comfortably repaying the huge transfer fee paid to Manchester United for his services and, were it not for Messi, would probably take home the Ballon d'Or each year—although Xavi and Iniesta might make a point against that.

In the past, Ronaldo has been described as selfish, too arrogant and, oddly and without any foundation, a bad human being. Not sure where that level of abuse derives from. But the harshness of the criticism is unjust. You do expect a player of his quality to deliver every game, and for the most part, he does. People tend to forget or dismiss the fact that athletes are going to have a bad day at the office.

Does it deserve questions being raised about the player's courage and desire in big matches? Absolutely not. But for much of his time in Spain, Ronaldo has been on the receiving end of criticism from neutrals and, naturally, rival fans.

While the player does have his faults—notably, his insistence to go to the ground very easily—they are not exclusive to only him. Similar levels of criticism can be laid at the feet of a great number of star players across La Liga and Europe.

But the fact is, much of the good fortune on the pitch for any team Ronaldo plays in will mostly come through him.

An exceptional performer at the very top of his game, and one who is maybe undeserving of the level of regular criticism he receives.