Joe Cole has suggested Cristiano Ronaldo could struggle to score 32 goals this season, which would break his single-season Premier League record.
Ronaldo has started the season in magnificent form, scoring four goals in three games in all competitions. Ronaldo has developed immensely since departing Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009, having converted from a forward who primarily occupies the wing positions to a striker who scores most of his goals within the width of the goalposts.
His first goal against Newcastle United was an example of the type of player Ronaldo has evolved into. More poacher than an electrifying winger, the 36-year-old latched onto some sloppy goalkeeping to tap the ball into the net, demonstrating the predatory instincts he has honed over spells at Real Madrid and Juventus.
If there is one thing that Ronaldo will bring to Old Trafford during his second stint, it is goals, having scored at a startling rate for the past decade. Even in light of Juventus' recent struggles in Serie A, the brilliant goalscorer managed 29 in 33 appearances for The Old Lady last campaign. In the process, Ronaldo beat out Romelu Lukaku to the 'Capocannoniere' prize — the award gifted to the player with the most goals across a Serie A season.
Despite this, Chelsea favourite Joe Cole has suggested Ronaldo could struggle to reach the heights of his previous campaigns but still fancies him to be among the Premier League's top goalscorers.
When asked whether he could see Ronaldo scoring 32 goals this season, Cole told the All To Play For podcast: "He's going to have to be fit for the whole season and play every game. I can't see it.
"As much as he is an absolute genius, I think that is a tall order. I don't think anybody will get 32 this year.
"You have to remember, United are going to have to play seven or eight games against the top four/five of the Premier League, and that's going to be so tight. So there won't be an abundance of goals. He'd have to nick three or four against a Norwich or something."
Adam Smith, co-host of the 'All To Play For' podcast, repeated the question to guest Frank Lampard, who had similar reservations to his former teammate.
"I don't think he will be miles away; I think that's a stretch." he started.
"I think he will go right into the 20s, he's started well, and he's a machine, isn't he? It will be interesting to see."
