A Progress Report on Javier Hernandez at the Halfway Stage of Real Madrid Loan

Javier Hernandez has spent less than six months with Real Madrid, but he has proven to be a valuable footballer for Los Blancos.

The Mexican superstar arrived in Spain in September on a one-year loan after a disastrous fourth season with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.

In the 2013/14 season, Hernandez appeared 24 times in league games, however he only started six and completed three of them.

A transfer for him was supposed to secure him more playing time, but it was obvious from day one that joining Real Madrid was not going to fulfill that requirement.

Hernandez was all smiles during his presentation and excited about the transfer. He told ESPN that he never hesitated when the opportunity to join Los Blancos surged.

So how has he done so far?

The Mexican, who arrived as a back-up for first-choice striker Karim Benzema, has appeared in La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey matches.

In the Spanish tournament, he has appeared seven times for a total of 166 minutes on the pitch, which is very little, considering that he could have appeared in 630 minutes.

Luckily for Ancelotti, Hernandez continues to be a fox in the box. He has netted three times, including a brace against Deportivo La Coruna, a match in which he played 14 minutes.

Chicharito also recorded an assist, against Levante, and has only missed seven passes, for an average accuracy of 84 percent.

Let's take a look to the Copa del Rey.

He played 90 minutes in the 5-0 win against Cornella. Although Chicharito didn't score, he did assist Madrid's third goal.

The Champions League has not been different for Hernandez.

He has appeared in four of six games. He completed one match, left another one and was subbed on in the other two.

Although he hasn't scored, Hernandez has a 79 percent pass completion and 57 percent shot accuracy, as a result of 4 shots on target, three off target and one blocked.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Verdict

Hernandez has proved that through hard work, anything is possible. He may not have the best technique out there, but he takes advantage of his skills.

His vision to surprise defenders with sprints and goalkeepers with long-distance shots sets him as a very valuable asset when it comes to breaking the enemy's lines.

Chicharito's first months with the team allowed him to adjust to a well-oiled machine, which is by no means easy.

Securing a spot in the starting XI will be easier in upcoming matches because Real Madrid have a hectic schedule.

Los Blancos need to extend their lead in La Liga, as they are just one point ahead of archenemy Barcelona. They have to face German club Schalke 04 in the Champions League knockout stage and will come up against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, to be held this month.

Ancelotti needs to give Benzema some rest. This is where Hernandez will come in handy.

The Mexican deserves to get more playing time. His confidence is in a better place right now. His performances with Mexico have been better since he joined Real Madrid, and if given the chance, he will go back to his old self.

The striker's success in his debut season with Manchester United had a lot to do with Alex Ferguson's trust. 

Clearly, Hernandez is in Ancelotti's plans, the coach himself has stated that he will wait until the end of the deal to decide if the club buys the Mexican or not, according to Marca.

In all fairness, Chicharito needs to prove himself in the upcoming months, but at the halfway stage of the loan, there shouldn't be a doubt that he has delivered the results that were expected from day one.

All advanced stats appear courtesy of Squawka and ESPN FC, unless otherwise noted.