You would think he would be used to it by now… 26-year-old Mexican soccer superstar, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, has been used as a substitute for a few years now. First at English Premier League giant, Manchester United, than with the Mexico National Team during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and now for La Liga club Real Madrid where he finds himself buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema.
Despite the overload of talented international stars ahead of him, Chicharito believes he has proven thus far on the young season that he should be a starter for Los Blancos. Chicharito scored on Wednesday in Real’s 4-1 victory of Cornella.
Thus far, Chicharito’s playing time has been limited as he has been used as a substitute and back up to Frenchman Benzema for most of the year. However, Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, gave Chicharito another opportunity to showcase his skills against Cornella, and the Mexican striker responded with a goal.
“I’m working hard to seize the opportunities and do my best for the Madrid badge,” he told the media after the match. “I won’t get into the debate about being a substitute. I’ll prove my quality when I’m playing.”
Chicharito’s goal came in the 53rd minute, and was the third goal of the match for Real Madrid. The goal was incredibly impressive as Chicharito fell down on the play, got back up, dribbled to his right and buried the goal from outside the box passed Cornella keeper, Segovia.
“James passed me the ball, I attempted a one-two with Karim Benzema and then I just shot towards goal and thanks to God it went in.” Chicharito said.
Chicharito started in the game in place of the reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was given a rare day off after his recent historic scoring stretch in La Liga, and Chicharito responded in his stead with a great goal that Ronaldo applauded from the bench. Ronaldo is expected to return for Los Blancos next match against Granada on Saturday.
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