On Saturday night Gareth Bale made his debut for Real Madrid in Los Blancos’ 2-2 draw at Villarreal’s El Madrigal.
As we all know, Bale made a world-record £85million switch from Tottenham towards to Los Blancos at the end of the last transfer window.
The Welshman scored a goal for his new side and played just over an hour as Carlo Ancelotti’s new look team drew with the Yellow Submarine.
Match-fit
Gareth Bale is definitely not match-fit, hence the short amount of time on the pitch against Villarreal.
The Welsh international had not played for Spurs this season, because of an injury niggle, his determination to leave for Real Madrid did not help his chances of selection either.
Bale is usually a very fit player, who can run all day and gives everything for the team. However, when he is not fully-fit he cannot have the same influence on the game. He will not start having a full influence on game till he reaches full match fitness again. Then maybe we will see the best of Bale in a Real shirt.
Good attitude
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was happy with Bale’s performance. The Italian told a press conference: “I think he’s happy to score his first goal for Real Madrid,”
“He played in a difficult match and he played well, showing his good attitude. It was a hard match for everyone.”
Settle
Like any player joining a new club the 24-year-old is going to need time to settle in. He also has to learn the language, get accustomed to the different culture and learn how to act at the goliath that is Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world and he will have even more spotlight on him in Madrid then he did when was in London. Bale would have had a lot attention on him anyway in Madrid, but the world-record fee paid for him will add to the glare of the press and fans.
Pressure
Gareth Bale is under-pressure to perform every game, but so is every other footballer that pulls on a white shirt, it comes with the territory of playing for Real Madrid.
The former-Southampton star seems to have handled it pretty well so far, apart from a few nervous moments when he was presented to the press. On the pitch he will just play his normal game and that is all he can do.
Space
Gareth Bale was outstanding in the Premier League last season, where teams tried to deny him space and close him down quickly. In Spain he is likely to get more space to play, except against the teams that play the high-pressure game.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, he could increase his goal ratio in Spain because of the amount of room he will have to operate. As Premier League defences found out last season it really does not pay to allow Gareth Bale any room to get his shots away.
Gel
As well as time to settle into a new lifestyle Bale will need time to gel with his new teammates. His relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo could be a key to the team succeeding. During the Villarreal game they switched wings and Ancelotti said that was normal.
Both players have the ability to play on either wing and both like to cut inside to create more space for themselves. The rumours about Ronaldo leaving Los Blancos have recently been quashed with the Portuguese star signing a new contract.
Real Madrid now have probably the best two wingers in world football, although both can play in different positions that is where they are likely to play at Real. It is a frightening thought for any opposition team, Gareth Bale on one wing and Cristiano Ronaldo on the other.
It will be interesting to see what Ronaldo’s attitude is like towards Bale. The Welshman has overtaken him as the world’s most expensive player, despite Real’s claims he has not. However Bale has stated that he believes that Ronaldo is still top dog at Bernabeu, which will help the former-United players’ ego.
World-class
Gareth Bale will become a truly world-class player at Real Madrid and become a crucial part of their team. Playing and training alongside the likes of Ronaldo will only make him a better player and improve his game.
I have no doubts that Gareth Bale will be a major success in Madrid. The only shame is that the Premier League has lost such an entertaining player this summer. The Premier League’s loss is definitely La Liga’s gain.
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