Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Real Madrid attack missing 'punch' of previous seasons - Nacho Fernandez

Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez says Los Blancos' attack is "the best in the world" despite a slow start to 2017-18 that has seen them struggle to score goals.

Defending champions Madrid have been making many chances this season, but taking few of them, and have scored just 11 goals in their six La Liga outings to date. They are currently sixth in the table, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, who have scored 20 times in a perfect start to the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the first four La Liga games through suspension, and has 18 shots at goal without finding the target in his two appearances since. Teammate Gareth Bale has just two goals in eight club games across all competitions this season, with youngster Marco Asensio the team's current top scorer with four.

Speaking at Mendizorroza to Beinsports on Saturday evening, following the 2-1 win against La Liga's bottom side Alaves, Nacho said that he was not worried about the team scoring goals but did admit they are not at their best right now.

"We are missing that punch [up front] that we had more easily in other years," Nacho said. "But we are practically the same players. Those we have up front are the best in the world. So there is no need to worry."

Nacho said that confidence remained within the squad from last year's "perfect" season when Madrid won both La Liga and the Champions League and there were "no doubts" that the team would do well again this term.

"It's true that last year was perfect, but we never have any doubts," he said. "We are a very committed team, we work very hard. Its true that we have had some results we did not want, but I can assure you that we are not doubting ourselves."

The versatile defender will be needed at left-back for Tuesday's Champions League Group H game at Borussia Dortmund, as specialists in the position Marcelo and Theo Hernandez are both currently injured.

"I am ready for whatever is needed, wherever the boss wants me," Nacho said. "That's why we are here."

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