Wales manager Chris Coleman has said Gareth Bale has matured in a leader and can handle pressure situations much better now after experiencing the scrutiny of playing for Real Madrid for the past 18 months.
Known for being a shy person and keen to stay away from the limelight, Coleman revealed in an interview that Bale has a stronger character now and his presence is felt in the Wales dressing room.
He told BT Sport: “He has grown, he said to the other players in the dressing room afterwards this is what we need to do as a team. That’s what it’s all about. He said before the game we have to stand up to a mob like that. He’s vocal, he has matured and is a leader for us now.”
Wales drew with Bosnia in the first Euro 2016 qualifier of this international break and take on Cyprus on Monday night. And Coleman said he is sure Bale will score having drawn a blank in the first game.
“Gareth has had better nights for us than he did against Bosnia. But he has an incredible appetite for football, is an unbelievable athlete and Cyprus will know all about him. He still created that one chance against Bosnia and if not for a world-class save he scores the winner.
“He can win a game even if he is having the worst night of his life and that is why the opposition have to worry about him.”
