While Ronaldo clearly remains Madrid’s best player, the restructuring of the team around Bale may not go down too well with the Portugal worldwide.
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“He doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities and that will make him a great player for Real Madrid“, said Benitez. There’s nothing wrong with his stats, given that the Welsh has scored 39 goals and delivered 31 assists over 92 appearances.
Whether it’s the decision of Benitez or that of president Florentino Perez, the Welshman looks poised to start the season playing centrally behind the striker, essentially performing the function of a No. 10. Not only that, but the prolonged transfer saga of Manchester United’s David de Gea isn’t exactly going down very well with many Madrid fans either.
He added: “Isco and James elaborate play between the lines, but not Gareth”.
Real had scores of chances at the Molinon against a team with a fraction of their resources but could not find a way past Gijon goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Jese all drawing a blank.
Benitez will take charge of his first competitive game when Real travel to Sporting Gijon to get their La Liga campaign underway on Sunday.
History tells us that Real Madrid do not stay down for long, and Benitez is charged with the task of lifting them once more as they look to redeem themselves following a trophyless season under axed Carlo Ancelotti last term.
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and pacy Southampton forward Sadio Mane have all been linked – but it’s Bale van Gaal really wants.
Despite launching an unprecedented wave of spending to bring a series of high-profile “Galacticos” to the club, trophies have been thin on the ground, with just one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League in the last seven seasons.
United are targeting the 26-year-old to aid their title challenge having taken seven points from a possible nine in their three league outings so far this season.
It is in midfield and attack where Benitez has most work to do.
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In this 18 head to head meeting Real Madrid have 11 victory, their last meeting was at 2011-12 season, where on that season Sporting Gijon was played last on their Premier Division on Spain.
