For once in his career, Ruud Van Nistelrooy was not in the right place at the right time. For once, his timing couldn't have been any worse.
Injury kept him from partaking in Real Madrid's dismal 2008-2009 campaign. And now his absence on last year's team sheet has made his case for what was once an automatic starting role very weak.
Madrid's knee jerk reaction to last season's failures have led to Van Nistelrooy's return from injury going unnoticed. The names of Madrid's new big stars have flown around with such fervor that Ruud's has almost been forgotten.
Van Nistelooy's endless stream of goals used to broadcast constantly across the globe, and in his first two years at Madrid, these goals pulled them to back to back titles. So, in a team of high flying superstars buzzing around the field, who better to put away their rebounds and clever set ups than perhaps the most clinical finisher in the world.
So why has the Dutchman seen so little time this year?
Raul, for Van Nistelrooy, presents the problem.
Madrid, a team so global, and now, so star studded, would be in real danger of losing their identity, if it weren't for the presence of long-term servant and captain Raul on the field. He keeps the team relevant to the die-hard fans of Madrid. Madrid supporters are known for being success obsessed and fickle; Raul's name on the team sheet counterbalances that reputation.
But Van Nistelrooy is simply more ruthless in front of the net. He has two or three more years of powerful numbers in him. Raul has never had numbers comparable to Van Nistelrooy's. In fact, Raul, in six games for los blancos this season, has one goal. Van Nistelrooy, in just one game, has a goal and an assist. He was a substitute. The formula is simple: if played, Ruud will score.
Even during his well publicized falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson, Ruud managed to conjure up game winners coming off the bench, as he saw less and less playing time.
Perhaps Pellegrini likes the grit and simplicity of Raul's play amongst all the flash and speed of his new toys, but Ruud Van Nistelrooy can serve the same role, and almost guarantee better results.
Or perhaps Pellegrini is taking a cue from Sir Alex, a la Michael Owen, and keeping his aging marksman on the bench for just the right moments.
I have no qualms with keeping Raul on the field for most of Madrid's games. He deserves it, and he adds a touch of quiet class and subtelty to an explosive and flamboyant attack. But in a title race where one goal or one point can make all the difference, and the media will crucify you in defeat, Manuel Pellegrini should be very cautious of forgetting Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Take it from every back four in Holland, England, and Spain; don't ever lose sight of Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
