Real Madrid could remedy their striking problems by launching a summer operation to bring back Mariano Diaz, who is currently at Lyon.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested a solution to Real Madrid’s striking problems. The Portuguese has suggested Real Madrid bring back former player Mariano Diaz from Lyon in the summer and place him as an alternative for Karim Benzema.
Karim Benzema has been underwhelming this season, to say the least. And while Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in a similar rut in the beginning of the campaign, has returned to his old prodigious form, Benzema’s form and inconsistency in front of goal continues to be a cause for concern.
Florentino Perez has been looking to replace Benzema upfront in the upcoming summer transfer window. But, Cristiano Ronaldo has an alternate suggestion. The Portuguese looks to take heart from the fact that while Benzema does not contribute as much in terms of goals, he still is a brilliant player and is a crucial part of the team.
One might point towards the fact that Benzema’s form wasn’t all that good last season either. But, Alvaro Morata’s presence had seen Real Madrid achieve great heights in both domestic and European competitions. Ronaldo is suggesting a similar predicament, by bringing in a player who is well aware of the surroundings, not as a replacement for Benzema but more as a rotation option.
The player Ronaldo is suggesting Real Madrid bring back is Lyon forward Mariano Diaz. The Portuguese is of the opinion that Real Madrid made a mistake by offloading Mariano, who had been showing positive signs at the Bernabeu and has shined bright after joining Lyon.
16 goals and 4 assists in 27 Ligue 1 games so far this season is testament to the aforementioned statement. Mariano had progressed through the Real Madrid youth setup before making the grade and is well accustomed to Spanish football and the surroundings at the club.
The 25-year-old could also be a cost-effective option, compared to the mammoth fees that have been quoted for Real Madrid’s priority targets Mauro Icardi or Harry Kane.
Karim Benzema still has a lot of football left in him and Ronaldo’s suggestion could see Zidane be content as well, with the manager preferring to put his trust in Benzema and would be reluctant to see the Frenchman leave in the summer, according to reports.
The suggestion might just work. But, it will likely depend on Mariano’s decision to sacrifice a starting role at Lyon in favour of plying his trade as a rotation option at Real Madrid.
