Cristiano Ronaldo is carrying Real Madrid, says Bernd Schuster

Cristiano Ronaldo has already netted 19 goals in 16 official appearances for Madrid in 2013, including crucial goals against Manchester United and Barcelona, and Schuster has nothing but praise for the prolific attacker.

Former Germany international Bernd Schuster has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his recent displays for Real Madrid over recent weeks The Portugal international has already netted 19 goals in 16 official appearances for Madrid in 2013, including crucial goals against Manchester United and Barcelona, and Schuster has nothing but praise for the prolific attacker. "He has proven that he is willing and capable of carrying the team on his shoulders, which is a good thing. I'm not in the least bit surprised," Schuster told Marca.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's hunger, which he shows in every match, and his desire   to score goals and win stand out most for me."

Schuster, who wore the Madrid jersey from 1988 until 1990, then went  on to stress that Jose Mourinho has done a good job to prepare the  team for the most important stage of the season.

"I think he wasn't doing anything terrible before and hasn't started  doing anything special now. He has a consistent way of working and   he has the team primed for the business end of the season, the last three months during which the Champions League is at stake.

"Real Madrid have risen to the occasion and should be recognised for that.      I think they can keep up the level they showed in the Clasicos    and at Old Trafford. They were worthy winners and proved that when push comes to shove, they are up to the task."