Is Gareth Bale the right option for Real Madrid?

It is no secret that the Spanish giants are interested in Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been quite open about his desire to move the Welsh to Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid’s newly appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti has also expressed his desire to have the Premier League’s Player of the Year in his side. Going by Madrid’s past records of signing star players with record breaking deals, there is a big possibility of Bale donning the iconic white jersey.

But the most thought provoking question regarding all the hype surrounding Bale’s possible move to Spain is that if he joins Ancelotti’s squad then how would he fit in the team and in whose place.

Real Madrid already have a number of world class players in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Ozil to name a few. Bale generally operates as a winger, so if he is to assume the same position in Real Madrid then Ancelotti would have to put either Mesut Ozil or Angel di Maria on the bench.

There is another possibility, that of Bale taking up the role of a playmaker in a 4-3-2-1 formation. But even then, there are players like Kaka and the new signing Isco who are better suited for the role. Also, it is very unlikely that Ancelotti will make any changes with the central midfield since Madrid is formidable in that region and such a move would be pointless. So, Bale’s only option is a place in the forward region.

Another way of fitting in Bale would be to replace Ronaldo with him while the Portuguese international assume the role of a dedicated striker. But that would mean Madrid leaving out their number one striker Karim Benzema and moving their best player out of his favourite position.

Ancelotti even tried out this possibility in one of the pre-season friendly games. Although Ronaldo is fully capable of doing justice to the role of a striker, it is very clear that he is comfortable in his original place he would definitely love to stay there. There are several options for Bale if Perez does manage to persuade Tottenham, but the dilemma regarding his ideal position would still remain.

Bale undoubtedly, is a great player. But is he really a necessity for a club like Madrid? His introduction in the team may bring extra attacking ability but it might also disrupt the co-ordination the team has had for the past few seasons.

Also, would it really be sensible to leave out players like Ozil or di Maria just to fit him in? Finally, do Real Madrid really have to spend a roof shattering amount of money to get a player they actually do not require? These are the questions Perez and his colleagues must consider before jumping the gun.

Bale’s abilities and skills are not in question, but what is in question is his usability in the team. If his services are not to be properly utilised, then signing him would be unfair to him and to the sport.