By Ian Nkera Ford
As I speak, Gareth Bale has finally put an end to speculation by becoming the latest Galactico in a superstar cast that includes Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and many others. It took 86 million pounds to prize him away from White Hart Lane and make him the world’s most expensive footballer. Not bad for a footballer who was almost sold by Tottenham for a paltry 5 million pounds as a makeshift for Stewart Downing in 2008.
So, now that the 24 year old Welshman will be donning the white strip of Les Merengues, how will he fit into Ancelotti’s side? The winger-cum-striker is expected to have a starring role in the side alongside Ronaldo and that includes sharing responsibility.
Gareth Bale’s pace is well documented as he has used this pace to glide his way past defenders. He could occupy Angel Di Maria’s right wing position as this allows him to cut in from the right and maybe release a forward or launch his trademark shots. This is the position I see him occupying.
Ronaldo’s roaming has been restricted as he has been assumed a more central role leaving the position in the pocket occupied meaning Bale cannot make bursting runs in the middle.
His reputation last season grew after being thrown into a more central attacking position in a 4-5-1 position when all strikers were injured and he thrived. With Benzema and Ronaldo fit, he can only take up the two wing positions in a 4-4-2 formation.
But if Ronaldo accepts to fall back to the left wing with Di Maria on the right, Bale could line up behind Benzema and operate as a half nine.In this position I see him being of huge impact.
All in all I don’t see the player finding it hard to adapt to life in Spain. Good capture by the Spanish giants.