Ofc it has to do with a creative midfielder. He wouldn't be trying to do so much outside if he had someone feeding him better inside.
Ronaldo or offensive balance is not a problem. Midfield balance is.
Ronaldo-Morata-Chiesa is perfectly fine and balanced.
Ronaldo or offensive balance is not a problem. Midfield balance is.
Ronaldo-Morata-Chiesa is perfectly fine and balanced.
Given the positions he occupies on the pitch, it's natural to be involved in build up play. He's simply not good enough for that.
You can blame midfield all you want for not creating many chances but we can't turn a blind eye towards how bad his overall play has declined. Can't have a 36 year old player showboating on the flank anymore.
It's one of the big reasons why Barca are struggling similarly in having a more balanced setup. Messi refuses to play anywhere else. Him playing on the RW is disrupting the balance of the team. It's a huge commitment to revamp the entire team just to get the best out of one player who's in his twilight years.

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