Where has it all gone wrong for Gareth Bale?

14 May 2015 09:40

The world's most expensive ever player, that tag alone carries a weight that means you have to perform at a beyond consistent level to silence the ever waiting critics.

Gareth Bale gained the footballing worlds attention when he struck an incredible hat-trick in spurs Champions League first-leg defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro. A quite astonishing feat on its own but having an added uniqueness as all three goals came from almost identical build-ups and finishes.

The return leg cemented Bales name in folklore as he wiped the floor, so to speak, with Brazilian international Maicon, then regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world.

But it was during the 2012/13 season where Bale really caught the acclaim. Having moved into a more free role roaming from either wing into a centre attacking midfield position, he was able tear various opposition apart and was the look upon as the sole really for Tottenham's ambitious season potentially coming to fruition.

Taking free kicks using the famous technique of his admired hero and future team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale terrorised defences and as well as goal keeper adding yet another piece to his ever growing pallet of skills and arsenal.

He earnt his record breaking and dream move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. Despite not instantly cemented a place with the Madrid faithful's hearts (an injury didn't help his cause), bake did put us mark in El Clasico folklore by scoring and incredible solo winning goal in the Copa del final against arch rivals Barcelona. Fans were hoping this was the catalyst to propelling the former Southampton player into being the player they all desperately hoped he would become.

But this season especially has seen him hit an all time career low with his relationship towards the Bernabéu crowd at the point of almost beyond repair. It's even become dangerous as fans have reportedly been trying harm Bale before and after training sessions.

What doesn't help matters is that as a result of this low point he is constantly being linked with a return to the premier League, with Manchester United his apparent most likely destination. This has got the Old Trafford faithful liking their lips as with the recent summer acquisition of Dutch wonder kid Memphis Depay, the prospect of two of the brightest and best young talent (yes Bale is still young, although his Madrid experience may have aged him a fair bit!) strutting their stuff in Red Devils shirts could propel them to a greatness they have sorely missed since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

It remains to be seen where Real's number 11 sees his future. It would be surprising if Florentino Peréz was to take a hit with a sale of him, but with Madrid enduring a terribly frustrating season and Bale at apparent breaking point, the clubs hierarchy may have little choice but to take a derisory offer under current circumstances.

Source: DSG