Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez says he understands Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration at his recent form in front of goal.

Ronaldo had another difficult evening during Sunday's 2-1 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu, taking 11 shots in total without success to remain on just two goals in his six La Liga games so far in the 2016-17 season.

Raul, who is La Liga's country manager for the United States, told Cadena SER's "El Larguero" radio show: "[Ronaldo] has personality and hunger.

"What he wants is the best for the team, and he is always very self-critical and asks a lot of himself. He always wants to be in good form. He gets 50 goals a season! I used to find it tough to get to 20."

Ronaldo's return of four goals in nine games in all competitions for Madrid so far this season remains a major talking point among fans and pundits, especially as he aims for a fourth career Ballon d'Or prize.

The Portugal international was one of six Madrid players included on the 30-man shortlist released this week by France Football.

Raul said he believed Ronaldo would edge out Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann for the award after he won both the Champions League and European Championship in 2016.

"I think it will be Cristiano. It is between Cristiano and Messi, and Griezmann could be on the podium," he said. "Cristiano, Messi and Griezmann would be a good podium. The Champions League and the Euros have a lot of weight, and I believe this is Cristiano's year. It depends on the moment in time. Cristiano and Messi have their level, then it depends on whether you like one or the other."

Saturday's game brought whistles from some supporters at the Bernabeu supporters after Ronaldo took on shots when he had the option to pass, although his colleagues were supportive after the game with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Alvaro Morata all saying they were happy with what the Portuguese was bringing to the team.

Raul, who played alongside Ronaldo at Madrid during the 2009-10 season and remains a regular visitor to the training ground, said Ronaldo was liked and respected by his colleagues.

"He gets on very well with his teammates -- I have been there and seen that," he said. "They all like him and respect him."

Asked if Bale, 27, would ultimately replace Ronaldo, 31, as the world's best, Raul suggested the Wales international still had a way to go.

"Cristiano is the real thing," he said. "Bale is all the time more integrated in the team, and settled in the city. He has scored many goals. He has physical power with a lot of talent, but Cristiano and Messi are apart from the others. Then you have the next level with Griezmann, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Bale and others that I am forgetting for sure.

"What Messi and Cristiano have achieved is unique. It has been good for both of them, and they have been at two of the best teams in the world."