Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the impact Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale have had in his first season in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying each of them brings different qualities to the team that have made it so successful this season.
Ancelotti guided his side to success in the Copa del Rey in April before finally ending the 12-year wait for the club’s 10th Champions League two weeks ago when they defeated city rivals Atletico de Madrid in the final in Lisbon.
In an interview with Real Madrid TV, the Italian hailed his side on the whole for their fighting spirit and the way they played this season, but mentioned three players in particular.
He said Bale’s first term at the Santiago Bernabeu was sensational given that he had no pre-season under his belt when his signed back in September. “Some players who come from England have problems; not Bale. He didn’t start well because he was not here for the pre-season, but then he did well. He worked well and scored two goals in the finals. I don’t know what will happen when he does a complete pre-season… It was like he had a motorbike for his goal against Barcelona. His physique and quality are extraordinary. He tries things at a pace that nobody else can,” he said.
Switching his attention to Ramos, he described him as the best defender in the world. Ancelotti stated: “He has everything Maldini had: personality, technical quality, the ability to lead on and off the pitch. I’ve never compared anyone to Maldini. At the moment Sergio is the best defender in the world.”
And about Ronaldo, the Italian boss said when the 29-year-old starts, Real Madrid are essentially 1-0 before a ball is kicked.
“Cristiano’s statistic is not complicated: one goal per match. If Cristiano plays the match starts at 1-0. He really surprised me with his dedication, professionalism and leadership qualities. He is not just a player who scores important goals. He was also fundamental in the relationship between Benzema, Bale and Cristiano. They had a fantastic season, scoring and setting up goals,” he commented.
Madrid has it all to win back-back Champions league next season.Viva Ronaldo…viva Bale…viva Benzema,pepe,Coentrao.The whole team is worth a lot more.