‘Who could doubt Bale?’

John Toshack has said Gareth Bale has been as successful at Real Madrid as he anticipated but warned against comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale will return to Cardiff this week for the European Super Cup against Sevilla and former Madrid and Wales Coach Toshack has run the rule of his compatriot in an interview with Marca.

“Who could doubt Bale? I don’t understand,” Toshack said.

“I told Marca before that if they were patient, Madrid would be really successful. Since the end of last season there’s been a great Bale.

“But at first there was no patience. He hadn’t had pre-season. The same happened with Luka Modric.

“I never had doubts about Bale because I know him very well. Everyone knows he debuted at 17 with the national team.

“But fewer people know he missed two years between 17 and 21 with injuries. It’s a critical age for development.

“He had several surgeries and that marks you. He’s super professional, modest, likes to train and he’s smart.”

Toshack argued however that rather than compare and contrast Bale and Ronaldo, the players should be left to be themselves.

“They are who they are. Let them be,” he continued.

“There’s already been pre-season and this is where we are. Summer preparation is important, like a good breakfast. It gives you strength for the day.”

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