Bale and the new force that is Real Madrid

After a plentitude of discussions, speculations and heated arguments, the Bale-sale finally seems to be sealed and the ex-Spurs man is all-set to wear the much coveted Madrid jersey as he lines up for the new Ancelotti chapter at Santiago Bernabeu.

The winger would now move from the North London side to Madrid for a whopping record-fee of €100m, breaking the previous €94m transfer record of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to the Spanish capital. Constantly compared to CR7 for his tremendous speed, long-range shooting and aggressive runs down the flanks, Bale will be the new firing arm for Madrid’s warship. Similar to the way Neymar has lined up with Messi at their rival club, Bale would also pair alongside his footballing idol, CR7 and then, they are a certainly a force to reckon with.

But tactically how would adding Bale to the equation, affect the other players and their positions at Real Madrid. Lets have a look into this.

1. Bale on the right wing (4-2-3-1)

 This is the most likely of formations Ancelotti might opt for so as to utilize both Cristiano and Bale in the wings. With Isco’s creativity in the hole, and with Benzema up front, this attacking setup offers a solid threat even to the best of defensive lineups. Bale might have to adapt a bit here while playing at the right because he has been a genuine left winger majorly cutting outwards and feeding long crosses or moving inwards and pumping in the power strokes. Here at Real Madrid, he would have to rover into the box more often and would have to interchange with CR7 and Isco positionally. He would also have to prove his defensive work rate on the right midfield more than what he did with Spurs. Angel Di Maria, who is subject to transfer rumours following Bale’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu would most probably be benched if he doesn’t opt to leave the club. Given Di Maria’s excellent form on the right wing till date, if he decided to stay put, Bale would have to consistently perform. Further, with critics’ remarks looming over his head on his price tag, Bale would be subject to something new in his life. extreme pressure and intensity. It would be interesting to see how he shapes up as a right winger and time will tell us how it turns out to be!

2. Bale on the left wing (4-1-3-2)

Alternatively, Ancelotti might also try out this option, with CR7 playing a more advanced role alongside Benzema in the attack. Bale would continue to play in the left wing with his ex-Spurs comrade Modric playing above Alonso in the midfield. Isco would find himself shifted slightly to the right midfield and defensively Ancelotti could prefer Pepe over Varane to aid Alonso with the defensive midfield tasks. This setup offers a physically adept two-striker option for Ancelotti and could also leverage the long-range crosses from Alonso and Isco. This framework would be something he might try against the likes of Barcelona which are relatively unreliable in the air. Traditionally, CR7 has been on the left wing and this formation might just lessen the impact he has over the game, but if Bale can make up for this in his position, then things remain good.

Undoubtedly, Bale’s arrival will be an epic boost to this current Real Madrid squad and how much ever we argue about his price tag, which might be a result of the inflated transfer market scenario; combined with CR7, this squad should be legitimately prepared to become the best club in Europe.