beIN SPORTS

By Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro)

There are many positives to working at Real Madrid TV, yet speaking from a journalistic perspective the overwhelming privilege we enjoy at the channel is the contact we have with the players and coaching staff.

Being able to speak to them in our own designated area of the Bernabeu after every home game without the hectic scrum of the mixed zone affords us a chance to gather deeper insights into their views.

One such opportunity arose a couple of weeks ago, following Real Madrid's 3-1 home win over Malaga where we caught up with assistant coach Paul Clement and put it to him that James Rodriguez had been man of the match.

The Colombian had scored a stunning goal and generally bristled with creativity, yet while he was full of praise for James, Clement wanted to highlight to contribution of Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican had given a generous and intelligent assist to Cristiano Ronaldo in the final minute, but more than that Chicharito exemplified the excellent attitude that he had shown since his arrival in the Spanish capital.

Clement explained how difficult it is for a player to stay professional when they are not getting minutes, but Hernandez's hard work on the training pitch has paid dividends over the last few weeks with the first team. Key goals against Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in the Champions League and La Liga respectively have catapulted the understudy into the limelight, and Chicharito is more than capable of playing the role of crucial goal getter.

And he may have to as well, as Karim Benzema is likely to be unavailable for at least the next couple of games. Manager Carlo Ancelotti also stated that if the Frenchman was not ready to play in next week's Champions League semi final first leg at Juventus he would not be risked.

The good thing for Ancelotti and for Real Madrid is that Chicharito's excellent run means that there is no rush for Benzema to return. The on loan Manchester United striker is playing with confidence and has gained the support of the fans, no mean feat given the notorious demands placed on the players by the Bernabeu crowd.

For the moment Chicharito is enjoying himself and few would begrudge him enjoying the fruits of his considerable labor.