Gareth Bale's signing with Real Madrid caused a media frenzy. His performances with the team had its ups and downs, but the investment made by Florentino Perez has paid off, considering he's been key to Los Blancos' performance in his two seasons at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. But can Gareth Bale be as decisive as the team's supporters want him to? Can he lead Los Blancos to a victory if Cristiano Ronaldo can't? Will he be able to torture Barcelona's defense with his speed and technique? Let's see what his numbers and his current form have to say to support that idea.
Bale's numbers are on the uprise
Even with a ten-game slump, where he wasn't able to score a goal, "The Cardiff Express" is showing an improvement in his form, compared to last year's stats. Bale played a total of 44 games, scoring 22 goals in the process. This year, and after a full preseason with the team, Bale has already found the back of the net sixteen times in thirty eight matches, with at least eleven more to be played in La Liga and the upcoming Quarter-final stage in the Champions League.
Bale, earlier this season, celebrating one of his goals.
Harsh criticism?
Regardless of Bale's massive performance this year with Los Blancos, his relationship with the team's supporters is not as good as you would believe. Real Madrid's supporters are hard to satisfy, having a tendency to criticize even those who they praised weeks earlier. This has been Bale's problem all year, hence his celebration last Sunday against Levante, covering his ears as if he did not want to hear any more criticism towards him.
Can't hear you, guys!
Another problem for the Welshman is his "bad" relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. Fueled by Spanish media, rumors indicate the relationship between the two superstars is not the best, with CR7's gestures not helping deny those claims. Although those rumors are yet to be proven, Ronaldo caused a controversy earlier this season when Bale did not assist him in two consecutive games, leading to the fan's jeering against Bale in consecutive matches. Can Bale shift the fans' attitude towards him? A great performance in an important game such as this one could help.
If they don't get along, they sure fake it pretty well.
Where can Bale do the most damage?
Carlo Ancelotti's assistants have stated earlier this week that Bale's speed should be a matter of concern for Los Blaugranas. Being one of the team's biggest assets during the last Copa del Rey final last year, and his performance during the first Clasico of the season, Bale's spot on the team's roster is out of the question, but where should he be placed?
Ancelotti used him on the right wing last week against Levante, where he's formed a good partnership with Carvajal. The return of Modric released him from any defensive responsibilities he could've had, and Luka's influence in the team's creativity process benefits Bale the most. Having played together in Tottenham, Modric know how to take advantage of Bale's speed and positioning, and with James Rodriguez out, Bale should take his spot as a right midfielder, giving Jordi Alba something to worry about. If the Welshman wants to be more involved in the team's build-up towards Barça's goal, he has to take a spot in the midfield, where he can speed up as Ancelotti's assistants want.
Gareth Bale's shining moment against Barcelona's defense.
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