Valdano left last season because of a clash with Jose Mourinho but he feels the club's two centre forwards are suffering from a lack of clarity over their roles.

“If we look at the statistics, the two are getting fewer goals than last season,” said the former Madrid director.

“I think their duel for a position has been of benefit for a while. But there comes a time that when you are having to prove yourself every day that you begin to tire.

“Neither has won the race. Some weeks we see a step forward for Higuain, other weeks Benzema looks to be ahead."