Real Madrid have three completely different available options at the right wing position. That number shoots up to six if you include Lucas Vazquez, Fede Valverde, and even left winger Eden Hazard as possibilities in this position. But the main three players to receive minutes at the position are Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, and Rodrygo Goes.
Bale was the one who got the first crack at starting at right winger. He showed promise, performing well and with motivation in the preseason before scoring in La Liga against Levante. Injuries have taken Bale out of the equation, but now we are in an interesting situation with Bale back from his latest injury.
At the same time, both Asensio and Rodrygo have made compelling cases to start. Rodrygo brings a lot of work and defensive contributions, and he is the best creator of the three. Meanwhile, Asensio has made the biggest impact as a goal-scorer, and we all know how important goals are. He just recently scored a fabulous goal in the Champions League vs. Inter Milan, as well as another game-sealing goal in a 2-0 victory against a big club this weekend vs. Atletico Madrid.
Asensio and Rodrygo are younger and have both been more productive than Bale in these past few seasons. But I would still expect Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to give Bale a couple of more chances in the XI this season before his contract runs out and he waves goodbye to the club where he won four Champions Leagues.
Gareth Bale’s injury interrupted Carlo Ancelotti’s discovery time
The simple reason is that Ancelotti tries to give every high-reputation player a chance until they prove that they cannot be an option. Think about how often Ancelotti used Eden Hazard at the beginning of the season in a variety of roles. And after that experimentation period was over with little in the form of team results, Ancelotti moved on.
He has yet to do the same with Bale. Right now, it looks like a platoon of Asensio and Rodrygo is Don Carlo’s best option on the right side of the attack, but he has not done his thorough vetting of a healthy Bale as a possibility. For Bale, as we saw at Spurs last season, can offer similar scoring upside to Asensio.
Bale will not get a lengthy run of games if he fails to impress. But with Real Madrid looking good after going five-for-five against their toughest opponents, Ancelotti knows now is the time he can try some small changes out.
He’ll want to know what he has in Bale and do his due diligence as a manager to see if the Welshman can play a role in the XI or otherwise.
Finally, there is the respect factor. Ancelotti managed Bale, who was instrumental in the high points of the 2013-2014 season, including La Decima. Ancelotti is a manager who shows loyalty to players who have succeeded with him in the past. Look no further than the three separate times Carletto has worked with playmaker James Rodriguez.
For those of you Gareth Bale fans out there, you can look forward to a few more matches for the former Spurs superstar in the near future. Real Madrid face Cadiz next, and the Yellow Submarine haven’t exactly replicated the success of their La Liga return in 2020-2021. Therefore, this could be the game Ancelotti reintroduces Bale. Then, we will see where the ex-Milan manager goes from there.