With such a star-studded squad at his disposal, it seems incomprehensible that Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti would have selection headaches this season.
Having signed both James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos this summer, it would appear that the reigning European champions have strengthened further. However, the losses of Xabi Alonso and in particular, Angel Di Maria, have resulted in genuine problems for the Spanish giants.
Ancelotti has revealed that a positional change for Gareth Bale could be the solution, with the Welshman set for a more withdrawn role in order to compensate for the loss of Di Maria.
Despite the obvious influence of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentinian international played a fundamental role in the club’s success last year. With Ancelotti favouring a 4-3-3 system, Di Maria converted himself into a midfielder but was still capable of having a key impact on games.
The 26-year-old’s engine, pace and work-rate were fundamental in providing defensive protection down the left flank, and he complimented his fellow midfielders well to give Madrid some much-needed balance.
Regardless of all the talent that they have on the pitch, Madrid need a player capable of linking play between the lines and breaking from midfield to allow the attacking trident to punish exposed defences.
Although it is still early days in his time at the club, it is felt that Rodriguez will not be able to fill that gap, nor will Isco as he doesn’t possess the necessary characteristics for that role. As a result, it has ultimately led to Ancelotti considering Bale.
The comparisons are uncanny in many ways, with Bale arguably also benefiting from a return to a more favourable position on the left side of the pitch. His acceleration and ability to cover ground are tailor-made for the role, with Kroos and Luka Modric providing defensive coverage and creativity alongside him.
Nevertheless, having been so successful as part of the attacking trio last season, will Bale be willing to sacrifice goals and assists further afield for the good of the team?
The answer will be yes considering the level of success that he can potentially enjoy at the club, and with a blueprint in place, the 25-year-old will know exactly what is required of him moving forward.
Essentially, it is perhaps ironic that Bale will possibly be asked to play in a role that his arrival forced Di Maria into playing last year. Now with Rodriguez at the club, the Welsh international will have to make a similar sacrifice, but that is by no means going to result in a dip in his game as Di Maria can certainly attest to.
Madrid’s penchant for expensive signings means Ancelotti is forced into a re-shuffle this season, but it could well be a blessing in disguise for the club, Bale and Rodriguez in order to ensure they remain a well-balanced winning machine.
