Former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not given enough credit.

Ronaldo offered another reminder of his qualities in the past week as he scored five goals in a 6-0 triumph over Espanyol, before leading Real to a 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk with a hat-trick in their Champions League opener.

Despite becoming the club's highest goalscorer in La Liga history, Salgado believes that the 30-year-old is still underappreciated by some supporters.

"How he works is spectacular and what he's doing is impressive, equalling Messi's records and winning Ballons d'Or when it's so difficult, because you have a player like Lionel Messi," Salgado told AS.

"I don't think people realise the value of Cristiano and the effort he puts into winning what he wins."

Ronaldo will look to continue his fine form when Real host Granada on Saturday afternoon.