Wales manager Chris Coleman believes Rafa Benitez should build his Real Madrid team around Gareth Bale.
The 25-year-old endured a tough second season at the Santiago Bernabeu and come in for some fierce criticism at times from media and fans alike. But his form for Wales has been superb and he scored another vital goal for his country in their 1-0 win over Belgium on Friday evening that puts them on the brink of qualification for next year’s European Championship.
Reports in Spain have said the new Real manager wants to build his team around the former Tottenham Hotspur man and is ready to tweak the formation so Bale gets to play in his favoured position on the left hand side of the field. Cristiano Ronaldo would move to a more central role in the hope he will score even more goals there.
Speaking to reporters, Coleman, who briefly managed Real Sociedad, said he agreed with Benitez’ plan.
“That was a good introduction for Bale to Rafa. I think Rafa’s been quoted as saying he will build his team around Bale and why wouldn’t he? He’s capable of anything but he also came off that pitch shattered because he worked so hard with and without the ball,” he said.
