Manchester United on-loan forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has responded well during his limited playing-time this season, said Real Madrid director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno on a recent club trip to Mexico.
"[Hernandez] is an incredible player, a fighter and at Real Madrid that virtue is essential," the former Blancos forward said of the Mexico international, who joined Madrid from United in a season-long loan deal sealed just as last summer's transfer window ended. "The competition for places is very high, but he is a great forward, when he has played he has responded, he has scored goals."
Hernandez was added to an attacking roster at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu that includes Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and youngster Jese Rodriguez. He has featured very little through recent months, making just one La Liga start, with most of his 516 total minutes of playing time coming against Ludogorets in the Champions League and third-tier Cornella in the Copa del Rey.
Speaking on a Madrid club-trip to Mexico, Butragueno preferred to focus on Chicharito's competitive spirit, and praised him for managing to score three goals during his limited spells on the pitch.
'El Buitre' said the situation was awkward, however coach Carlo Ancelotti had to make the calls he felt were best for the team, and competing for a starting spot with Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo was difficult .
"It is Carlo's decision," Butragueno said. "Javier trains well and is a great professional, but without any doubt the competition for places is very tough."