Who is Real Madrid's Player of the Season?

Real Madrid have endured a typically up and down season in 2014-15 and will ultimately be less than satisfied with their trophy return.

Early success in the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup, along with a magnificent 22-match winning streak, seemingly had the Bernabeu side set up for a record-breaking campaign. But a decline in 2015 ultimately saw them lose out to Barcelona in the race for La Liga and beaten by Juventus in the Champions League semi-final. Who was Madrid's star performer in a disappointing year? Goal looks at the three candidates to scoop up the Player of the Season award.



SERGIO RAMOS




Sergio Ramos enjoyed a fine season in defence for Real Madrid. His importance and influence were highlighted by the team’s struggles during his time out injured from February, when they won just three out of seven games as their season entered a stage of decline.

As well as forming a strong centre-back partnership with Pepe or Raphael Varane, Ramos popped up with some important goals over the course of the year.

He scored in both the semi-final and final to help Madrid to Fifa Club World Cup glory in Morocco as he bounced back strongly from Spain’s horror-show in Brazil last summer.


JAMES RODRIGUEZ




James Rodriguez has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Real Madrid following his €80 million summer move from Monaco.

Other than his two-month absence with a broken foot, the Colombian has established himself as a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI, usually as part of a midfield three.

Despite adapting to a new role having been deployed further forward at his previous clubs, the former Porto midfielder has totalled an impressive 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

His top contributions include a fine all-round display in Madrid’s early-season 8-2 mauling of Deportivo and a double against Granada in November.


CRISTIANO RONALDO




While the major team trophies may not have flowed as he would have liked, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed another stellar individual season in 2014-15.

The Ballon d’Or winner has scored an astonishing 58 goals in all competitions, including a five-goal haul against Granada in April and a four-goal showing against Elche in September.

He also scored a double against Sevilla to seal Uefa Super Cup success and netted a hat-trick or better in seven fixtures as part of another goal-laden year.

The only major low spell of his personal season came when he was sent off against Cordoba in January before being criticised for holding a birthday party just hours after the shock 4-0 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on his return from suspension.

source:Goal.com