Terry Gibson: Bale needs to do more

Former Tottenham Hotspur F.C. forward Terry Gibson believes Gareth Bale must replicate the ability he showed at White Hart Lane or risk being sold by Real Madrid.

The Wales international, who joined Madrid from Spurs in a deal believed to worth around €100 million in the summer of 2013, has suffered the ill-fated sophomore slump in 2014/15.

After tallying 22 goals and 16 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions last term, Bale has managed to bag just 16 goals and seven assists through 40 games this season.

“Bale’s not helping himself in terms of getting in positions,” Gibson said.

“It can happen in some games where the wide player doesn’t get the service, but it won’t happen at Real Madrid.

“With [Toni] Kroos, [Luka] Modric and Isco in midfield, there’s enough to suggest you’re going to get the ball.

“Bale has to do more. It’s slightly irritating seeing such an athletic, supremely gifted footballer on the periphary of the game. He does need to get involved a lot more.

“At Spurs, he had that free role where he was allowed to drift to go and get the ball. Saying that, the players at Spurs were happy to give him the ball whenever possible.

“It’s something that has crept up on Real Madrid and Bale that he is not involved in the game as much as they’d like and certainly not as much as he would like.

“But he’s going to have to resolve that situation, he’s going to have to be more demanding of the ball from his team-mates, or go into midfield and get it.

“Get himself in a position where he is not on the fringes of the game.”

During the final 30 minutes of Sunday’s Clasico at the Camp Nou, Bales completed just two passes, while touching the ball just 14 times in total during the second-half.

Following the match, several Real fans demonstrated their frustration regarding Bale’s lack of form by attacking his car.

If the 25-year-old does not turn it around soon, the supporters’ criticism will only get worse.

“There’s a sinister threat to Gareth Bale in every sort of game now. He has to react to that,” added Gibson.

“Even after his two goals against Levante, there was still this sinister threat from the media: ‘Okay, that’s two goals against Levante, let’s see how you do next week, because if you don’t, we’re going to be after you.’

“To leave some out on the pitch when you should be coming off the pitch having given everything, is disappointing.”

Will Gareth Bale be plying his trade at Real Madrid next season?