After one the most drawn-out transfer sagas of all time, Gareth Bale finally completed his move to Real Madrid on the penultimate day of the summer window.
Despite not undergoing a pre-season with his former club Tottenham Hotspur due to a number of fitness concerns and off-the-field problems, the Welshman made his debut for the Spanish outfit away at Villarreal on Saturday evening.
Here, Sports Mole analyses how the 24-year-old fared as he started and indeed scored in the 2-2 draw with the impressive newly-promoted outfit.
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There seems to be a fascination in some quarters that Cristiano Ronaldo – "the boss" of Madrid, according to Bale – would suffer following the Welshman's arrival. Well, Madrid's view on the situation became clear on Sunday when the Portuguese became the world's highest-paid player as he signed a new five-year deal.
The two players embraced prior to kickoff in the La Liga clash, and Ronaldo was quickly on the scene when Bale had levelled for the capital outfit. Of course, Ronaldo wants personal success, but he also wants his team to win trophies, something which Bale will certainly be able to influence.
Bale's price tag has not been officially disclosed, but it is believed that Madrid parted with in the region of £86m to secure the winger, despite late interest from Manchester United. The circus surrounding his transfer is now behind him and the Welshman wasted no time in endearing himself to the Madrid faithful with his contribution at the weekend.
In truth, it was not one of his best displays, but that was to be expected with a cameo appearance for his country against Serbia last week his only action this term. He looked well off the pace for long periods, eventually being replaced by Angel di Maria, whose spot he took in the starting XI, just past the hour mark.
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By that point, however, Bale had already made his mark. With his side trailing to an early strike from Cani, Bale popped up with a finish from close range after good work from Daniel Carvajal on the right. We are used to seeing Bale hit stunners into the top corner, but it was a real poacher's effort from the former Spurs attacker.
It is not yet clear where Bale will be deployed by Carlo Ancelotti this season, but he could be given a free role based on Saturday evening. The Welshman started on the right, before switching wings with Ronaldo half-way through the first period. His goal came from a centre-forward's position, however, which could certainly be an option for the management.
Despite a sensational campaign for Tottenham last season, Bale's assists were relatively low, managing just four in 33 league games. Everything went through and indeed ended with the 24-year-old last season, but he will be expected to provide for the team as the season develops.
On Saturday, there was a change of emphasis as he looked for a teammate in advanced areas on numerous occasions in the first period, rather than immediately attempt to release an effort on goal. That was not the case in the early stages of the second period, however, when he stung the fingertips of Sergio Asenjo with a powerful effort from outside the box.
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Bale has taken a fair bit of criticism from the Spanish media following his performance, but it is difficult to imagine what more he could have done in his first start since last season. Not to mention the fact that his debut came against one of the in-form teams in La Liga this season.
The phrase 'peripheral figure' would be a fair way to describe Bale's debut for the Spanish giants, but the stats will read one game, one goal. If he continues that run in his next 202 games, then he will be level with what Ronaldo has currently produced.
The likes of Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate struggled to come to terms with the incredible pressure at Madrid, but there is no question that Bale has the ability and indeed attitude to become a star-studded 'Galactico' in his own right.
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Matt Law
