What’s the story?
Zinedine Zidane will be dropping Gareth Bale for the game against Bayern Munich, in favour of the in-form Marco Asensio or Lucas Vasquez according to sources in Spain. The Real Madrid manager has been very disappointed with the performances of the Welsh captain since his return from injury, and has decided to keep him as an ace up his sleeve in case Madrid need a goal later in the game.
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In case you didn’t know
Gareth Bale has had an injury affected season and since his return from injury, he was reinstated into the squad instead of being eased in. The Real Madrid winger has just nine goals and 3 assists in 24 appearances for the club this season, a tally he wouldn’t be happy with.
During the game against Atletico de Madrid, he was especially poor, hardly getting a foothold in the game. He was eventually taken off for Lucas Vasquez before Real Madrid conceded via Antoine Griezmann.
The heart of the matter
Lucas Vasquez and Marco Ascensio both have been silently brilliant for Real Madrid this season. Ascencio especially has been brilliant every time he has been given the opportunity, his first goal against Alaves was a thing of beauty, showing his technique and poise.
Zinedine Zidane has previously said that “Asensio has the best left foot since Messi”, and right there he has shown his belief in the youngster. The Spaniard can play from a similar position as Bale and probably will give Dani Carvajal defensive cover.
What’s Next?
The Real Madrid first team picks themselves, especially with the injuries they have at the back. It is a smart tactic to spring a surprise against the likes of Bayern Munich, and this might be the perfect opportunity to do so.
It also might allow Real to play Cristiano Ronaldo a bit further forward, as Ascencio or Vasquez will inevitably give a bit more cover at the back than Gareth Bale.
Author’s Take
It is a very plausible change for Zinedine Zidane, and will inevitably force Gareth Bale to pull up his socks. In his tenure at Real Madrid, he has showcased almost every quality a manager needs to have, but one thing he hasn’t been being ruthless. Maybe, it’s that time of the year.
