Jorge Valdano: 'Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain duel hurting Real Madrid'

Jorge Valdano believes that Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain's battle for a starting place is having an adverse effect on Real Madrid's form.

The duo have scored just 13 league goals between them this season, as Los Blancos continue to toil in La Liga.

Jose Mourinho has tinkered with his front line, but former Real player, coach and director Valdano has urged the Portuguese coach to make a decision for the benefit of the team.

"If we look at the statistics, the two are getting fewer goals than last season," Football Espana quotes Valdano as saying.

"I think their duel for a position has been of benefit for a while, but there comes a time that when you are having to prove yourself every day that you begin to tire.

"Neither has won the race. Some weeks we see a step forward for Higuain, other weeks Benzema looks to be ahead. But I encourage them to decide, not even the fans know who is starting each game. And that uncertainty is often uncomfortable for the big stars."

Third-placed Real take on Sevilla at the Bernabeu tonight.