Real Madrid’s right flank conundrum
By Hasan Karim
Gareth Bale
Let’s address the elephant in the room that is Gareth Bale. The Welshman has endured a rough campaign with injury disruptions, lack of form and belief from fans everywhere. A brilliant player on his day but that brilliant best has been missing for some time. With quiet performances in majority of the big games, it is fair to say that Bale did not assume the mantle of ‘the man’ from the departing Cristiano Ronaldo.
With 11 goal contributions in the league this campaign, the former Spurs man has had to watch his colleague Karim Benzema storm to 30 goals this campaign in all competitions. Benzema, in the eyes of some, has had the season that many thought Bale would have. But through one way or another, it just has not clicked for him.
At odds with the fans and seeing his future in constant question, it seems inevitable that the Welshman could exit the Bernabeu this summer. With the club looking for suitors and a previously frosty relationship with Zidane, it’s hard to imagine Bale will be wearing royal white next season.
Verdict: Sold/loaned out.