Ronaldo faces fight for Real place: Helguera

Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo cannot expect just to walk straight into the Real Madrid team, midfielder Ivan Helguera warned on Thursday.

"Real Madrid are playing very well at the moment and it's going to be difficult for him to find a way in," Helguera told reporters at Real's training ground.

"It's not easy for anyone to play here. Tell me, who are you're going to drop to create an opening?"

The competition for places at Real is particularly fierce in attack, especially after Guti scored twice in Real's 3-0 win over AS Roma in the Champions League this week.

Raul, who scored the other goal against the Italians, is untouchable, meaning Ronaldo will be up against Guti, Fernando Morientes and Javier Portillo for one place when he is given the all-clear to play. Ronaldo is recovering from a leg injury.

"Ronaldo is Ronaldo and when he's fit I'm sure he'll contribute a lot," Helguera said. "He's one of the best players in the world."

Ronaldo, signed by Real from Inter Milan just before the transfer deadline, has been training alongside his team mates for the past week and could make his debut in next Wednesday's Champions League game against Genk.