Real Madrid: Here’s why Gareth Bale should start against PSG
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale was in good form as a substitute against Real Sociedad, and here’s why he should start against PSG.
As expected, the debate continues on from the international break on whether Gareth Bale should play for Real Madrid, let alone start any games. The Welsh attacker was seen celebrating with a Wales flag that said “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order!” However, that does not change the fact that the player has a lot to offer and is Real’s best option on the right flank.
Gareth Bale has done what he does best when it comes to media controversy so far, as he stayed quiet and decided to respond to all the noise on the pitch. We saw him at his best during his substitute appearance against Real Sociedad on Saturday night. With a massive UEFA Champions League match coming up against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, the question arises again on whether the Welsh international merits a place in the starting eleven ahead of Rodrygo Goes. The short answer is a definite “Yes!” and here is why.
Experience
Bale brings with him the experience and composure that Rodrygo does not have yet. It’s true that the Brazilian has impressed numerous times whenever he has been called up, but he’s simply not ready to take on a match this big.
Players are born with certain skills and attributes that they work on throughout their lives to perfect, and it’s clear that Rodrygo has that quality. However, no one is born with experience, and that is something that a 30-year-old Bale has over the 18-year-old Rodrygo.
This isn’t a criticism of the Brazilian. It just takes years for someone to have this composure, and if there is anything that we can take away from Bale during his Real Madrid career, it’s that he knows how to handle himself on the big stage.
Back in the Good Graces
The Real Madrid fans are an extremely difficult bunch of people. Say all you want about them, but one thing you cannot deny is that they will criticize you until you fall. However, if you show them you’re still able to get back up and prove to them that you belong there, they will embrace you in ways you cannot imagine.
The slightly weird part about Bale’s situation though is that he has been there before, as he was supposed to leave the club in the summer but ended up staying as Zidane named him in the first XI of the season. The forward impressed and the fans were happy with him until the recent debacle that unfolded.
Against Real Sociedad, Bale was whistled during the warm-up by the club’s own fans before they continued doing so on the pitch whenever he touched the ball. With a great appearance, some of the fans didn’t have a choice but to clap for his efforts and applaud him for doing what he did when he came on. Now, he needs to start, and a good performance against PSG could do wonders for his place in their hearts.
Next. 3 key matchups to watch against PSG. dark
The X-Factor
When looking through Twitter, it’s clear to see that anyone who thinks Rodrygo should start is saying so because they don’t want Bale to start. This has absolutely nothing to do with what each player offers to the team. I believe the best choice is to start with the experienced (and don’t be mistaken – extremely talented) Gareth Bale, and if things go well then great.
However, if Real Madrid are struggling in the second half, bringing on a fit and energetic Rodrygo will do wonders and could change the game at a decisive moment.