Following months of speculation and negotiations, Real Madrid finally got their man on Sunday evening as Gareth Bale completed his world record move from Tottenham.
On current form, the Welshman is arguably the most dangerous player in the world when running at pace and will certainly add an extra dimension to a team who already love to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
However, his signing has presented boss Carlo Ancelotti with a number of selection dilemmas ahead of Los Blancos’ next La Liga match with Villarreal.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played a competitive game since May and Wales coach Chris Coleman has already conceded that he will not be fit enough to play all 90 minutes in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, meaning he is unlikely to be ready to start at El Madrigal on September 14.
With new boy Isco seemingly first choice in the number 10 role following the departure of Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo remaining majestic on the left, it appears as if Bale will be asked to play as a right winger, a role he often appeared to struggle in last term at Spurs. In fact, Paddy Power have opened a market allowing punters to bet on whether Bale or Ronaldo will start the most league games for the club this season.
The current incumbent Angel di Maria also happens to be enjoying possibly his best start to a season in a Los Blancos shirt and has already said he has no intention of giving up his position despite it previously looking as if he was set to depart the Bernabeu.
Furthermore, the Argentine is known for his willingness to upset the dressing room if he feels he is being undervalued and will not be afraid to complain to the senior members of the squad if he is overlooked when Bale is out of form.
Some Spanish football betting fans may point to a possible switch to left-back for the Welshman but there is no way the board would allow one of their stars to be played in one of the least important positions in the team, while just as importantly, the famously fickle Real support could well turn on the coach if he replaced fan favourite Marcelo.
On ability, Bale should eventually replace Di Maria but the Argentine is known to be a big voice within the dressing room and Ancelotti will need to use all his nous in managing the egos at the Bernabeu if his side are to be successful this season.
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andym
Founder and chief editor of La Liga Blog, Andy fell in love with Spanish football after a university placement year in the Costa Del Sol. His favourite Tapas is Albondigas and on Saturday afternoons, Andy can regularly be found trying to emulate his hero Carles Puyol for his amateur football team.