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A chunk of Real Madrid fans who partook in a survey conducted by MARCA believe that there is no room for Gareth Bale in the first team's starting eleven.
The Welshman, a £86m signing from Tottenham Hotspurs two years ago, has come under a lot of flak for his performances in Royal White ever since his move. Even though he scored the first winning goal in Madrid's La Decima Champions League victory over rivals Athletico Madrid, he's constantly linked with moves elsewhere.
In the survey, Madristas believe that manager Rafael Benitez should play Spaniard Isco ahead of the Welshman. With Isco in the centre and Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, the right wing should be James Rodriguez's – a position where Bale played often last year.
However, ever since the appointment of Rafa Benitez, he's insisted that Bale is very much part of his plans and that he plans to use the Welshman along with Ronaldo as his centre-forwards - something that would upset the fans for they – and the club – love Karim Benzema up front.
With reports rife about linking Gareth Bale to Manchester United, this survey only adds more fuel to the fire. United, however, are keen on bringing the ex-Tottenham forward back to England with reports suggesting that they've been unsuccessful in two different £100m bids earlier this summer.
Rafa defends Gareth Bale
Speaking earlier this week, manager Rafael Benitez, insisted that he'd like to keep Gareth Bale in the club and build a relationship amongst three of his attacking midfielders: Isco, James and Bale.
"Logically there will be debate about Isco, Gareth, James Rodriguez... we are looking to forge an understanding between them," he said.
"Isco and James play elaborately between the lines - not Gareth. He looks to create space and make runs behind the defence. If he had scored tonight you'd be saying he had a great game. If you look at Bale's movements, they give the team respite," he added.
Rafa Benitez has been playing Bale in the number 10 role recently but still thinks that giving the Welshman the ball and having him run at defenders is the way to bring out the best in him. With Benitez's plans of playing Ronaldo up top, it looks unlikely that the club will part ways with the Welshman.
Bale will simply be hoping that he gets to play continuously with the Los Blancos so he can really prove what he's worth.
Here's the survey's 'Internet Dream Team':
