The Portugal superstar basked in a stellar 2014 which yielded 52 goals in 43 games for Real Madrid as he won a smattering of trophies that included the Champions League, Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup.

Ronaldo's feats subsequently won him the coveted Ballon d'Or award in January - at the expense of his perennial rival Lionel Messi.

However, since being crowned the world footballer of the year for a third-time - it is in fact Messi who has shone the brighter.

The 27-year-old's hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-0 win at home to Levante in La Liga, was his 12th strike in all competitions since the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

In comparison, Ronaldo has three.

Messi's trio at the Nou Camp was also his 23rd hat-trick in Spain's top flight - a landmark moment that now ties him with Ronaldo as the player with the most trebles in the history of the domestic competition.

The diminutive forward's current form is synonymous with Barcelona's style of play at present, while Ronaldo's 'dip' mimics Real's patchy results - something that has been recognised by in the Spanish media. 

On Monday, both Madrid-based papers Marca and AS noted the 30-year-old's drop in performances as Real battle it out at the top of the league standings with Barca.

AS leads with the headline 'Cristiano Alarm' and adds that his performances and mood have been a concern for the club - with the forward having failed to net in his last three games.

Meanwhile Marca tries to forget Madrid's blip by looking ahead to their last 16 clash against Schalke in the Champions League and their 'favourite competition'.

It's not just goals though that point to Ronaldo's recent struggles.

His two-game ban for a straight red card for his outburst during Real’s 2-1 win over Cordoba, last month followed by his birthday celebration hours after their 4-0 thumping at the hands of arch rivals Atletico Madrid, led critics to question his attitude and desire.

(dailymail.co.uk)