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Jorge Valdano believes Real Madrid's stuttering start to the season is down to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema's failure to pass to each other.

Real are fourth in La Liga, having won just eight of their first 14 games, eight points adrift of Barcelona.

Valdano, who played and managed Los Blancos before moving to the boardroom, claims Zidane's squad are playing as individuals.

"One of the problems the team has, is the well-known factor of anxiety," he told Onda Cero.

"Rather than negligent play there are many players who want to win the game by themselves.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

"Isco is one of them. Cristiano Ronaldo is another - he looks for goals from all types of situations. He had a good game against Bilbao but didn't link up with Benzema.

"Benzema doesn't look for Cristiano and Cristiano doesn't look for Benzema."

Real's lack of depth has been a problem this term having sold Pepe, Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez in the summer.

(Image: AFP)

(Image: Getty Images)

Florentino Perez reportedly led a board meeting on Monday to discuss transfer plans, with Real set to bring in two new faces in January.

"Last year Zidane rotated the side and it worked out great with him not having any issues in the changing room," Valdano added.

"Those waiting in the wings are very young lads who haven't shown consistency. The team needs another centre half and a striker."