Analysing Gareth Bale and the issue of Xabi Alonso’s renewal

Analysing Gareth Bale and the issue of Xabi Alonso’s renewal

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In 15 appearances, Gareth Bale has scored nine goals and has six assists which means one (goal + assist) per game. Bale had a difficult start at the Bernebeu. He wasn’t welcomed by large sections of the fans who blamed him for Mesut Ozil’s departure and because they believed he was not worth the exorbitant fee Madrid paid for him.

He did not have a preseason and a series of small injuries kept him out of the side initially. Upon his return, he struggled for match fitness and this was seen in the Clasico. However, since then he has truly risen to the occasion. The perfect hattrick against Vallodolid was his best game thus far. He showcased his finishing and positioning as well as his ability to create goals with a wonderful cross. In Ronaldo’s absence, he was Madrid’s best player.

It is however insufficient to analyze his game without talking about the way in which he complements Ronaldo or about the way in which Ronaldo affects him. In the 4-3-3 system, Madrid’s forward line consisted of Benzema in the centre with Ronaldo on the left and Bale on the right. In this system, Bale and Ronaldo had acres of space to run into and against La Liga teams were utterly devastating. Bale was allowed to express himself fully because of the system and the space he had.

In the 4-2-3-1 system with Ronaldo missing, Bale continued to be explosive because he was given free liscence to roam the pitch in the same way Ronaldo is usually allowed to. With Di Maria restrained on the left plank (replacing Ronaldo), Bale’s defensive contribution was negligible but it was similar to his position at Spurs where Lennon/Sigurdsson was on one wing with Bale on the other.

In all probability, Khedira is going to be out for most of the season and hence Madrid will not return to a 4-3-3 which means a 4-2-3-1 with Ronaldo on the left and Bale on the right. This is what we have seen for the last few games. It is difficult to make conclusions for just a few games but it seems that Bale will have to adapt his game or deviate slightly for his natural game for this system to work. Ronaldo is the undisputed star of this team and therefore as always, he is going to be given a free roaming license with no defensive duties. If Bale is given the same freedom, the team is going to be defensively vulnerable. Opposition wingers and full backs will be able to bomb down the right and left wings putting extra pressure on Marcelo and Arbeloa/Carvajal.

Under Mourinho, Di Maria who played in Bale’s position on the right constantly would track back to help out Arbeloa and his work rate was phenomenal. The same level of defensive contribution is not expected from Bale but for the 4-2-3-1 system to be balanced, he will have to maintain his position and occasionally track back. Two free roaming wingers will be acceptable in La Liga but not against the European giants in the Champions League.

This does not mean that Bale is undermining his game. By playing with talents like Ronaldo, Alonso and Modric, he is automatically learning more and elevating his game which is why he came to Madrid. Perhaps he will develop other facets of his game. By dropping slightly deeper and coming more into the centre, he can develop his playmaking abilities. By pushing singularly down his wing, his crossing and dribbling can improve. There is no doubt that Ronaldo and he will switch wings during games and therefore essentially he will be a partial free roaming winger albeit at Ronaldo’s behest.

Xabi Alonso’s renewal

Finally, one must address the issue of Alonso’s renewal. It is absolutely essential that he renews his contract. Many fans who understand the way Madrid play will surely agree that he is just as important as Ronaldo. Last season against United, Welbeck marked Alonso out of the game and Madrid struggled for rhythm and control. After Nani was sent off, the pressure on Alonso reduced and immediately Madrid took control. A similar thing was seen this season. Until Alonso returned, Ancelotti could not find the right balance in midfield. Illara will eventually replace Alonso but there is still a while left before he can. Hopefully, he will renew his contract over the winter break. Madrid cannot afford to lose him.

Hala Madrid!

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