"Saving Private Bale"... Welshman still struggling at Real Madrid

In football when the ball doesn't go in, problems appear. The first target is the coach, then the second is the stars of the team. It's part of the game. Rafa's had his and now it seems to be Gareth Bale's turn. He's entering his third season after finishing his second unconvincingly. President Florentino Perez is convinced that sooner or later the "crack" he signed will appear, when he is comfortable and integrated. 

Like in the film "Saving Private Ryan", Benitez has been comissioned to rescue the situation. The problem is not simple. Bale's best position is on the left, which is owned by Cristiano Roanldo. The Portuguese doesn't want to give up his position and is an issue of his own in this part of trying to rehabilitate the Welshman. The suggestion was that he could be the No 9 but he has not taken kindly to this.

The dressing room aren't impressed with Bale as the No 10 because the squad has other players who would be able to perform this role better. Some Media suggest that Sergio Ramos, the new captain in place of Iker Casillas, has told this to the coach. Bale does seem to have changed his introverted attitude. Now he is more communicative with his team-mates, so they can count on him more on the pitch, while he improves his image. 

Benitez is on dangerous ground if he tries to fit Bale in at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has won over everyone with his gols and is now a leader in the dressing room, like on the field, with the permission of Sergio Ramos. In adition the fans are not stupid and know what they are seeing, whistling the players when they play badly. The only solution is to get rid of Bale. 

Many think, including the dressing room, if Madrid had not paid €101million for him, he would be a substitute. Isco and James improve the performance o the team and Jese deserves opportunities. But only James starts - he cost €80m - while Isco €25m and Jese are in competition with the Welshman.