Fighting for free-kicks healthy, says Ramos

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said competition over who should take free kicks at the Santiago Bernabeu is a positive for the club.

Ramos staked his claim by finding the back of the net direct from a set-piece during Spain’s 5-1 friendly victory over Panama, but with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Oezil the regular free-kick takers for the club, it could be some time before he is given another chance from range.

“It is good to have competition,” he told COPE.

“At Real Madrid we have many good players that the team can learn from. Sometimes I have decided matches, but, of course I am talking about players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil.”

Ramos also reflected on La Roja’s convincing win over Panama on Wednesday night and dismissed recent criticism the national side is only representative of La Liga powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“The experience was positive on Wednesday,” he said.

“We will all return home fit and healthy, which is important. And, no, our national side is not only about players from Barcelona and Real Madrid.”