Bale: The return of the monster

With Cristiano Ronaldo invisible, Gareth Bale is back in the monster's body.

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Bale: The return of the monster
Bale is starting the season with Real Madrid. In La Liga, the Welsh star has scored three goals and one tally, making great contributions to Real Madrid have won the league in La Liga after three rounds. Not difficult to recognize, the pride factor for Bale to shine is the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

No Ronaldo, Bale was removed psychologically and role. In the past, Ronaldo was angry after the "ball" situation of Bale quite familiar. Because, Real's attack system was built around a Portuguese superstar, not a Welshman.

This is clearly reflected in the play of Real under Zidane. In particular, the French strategist has built the style of attacking the Royal team in style CR7. It is the head of all opponents with a lot of phase definite. Statistics indicate this. In La Liga 2017/18, Real is the most aggressive team.

In total, the Royal team launched 716 phase clear after 38 rounds, which is an average of 18.8 phase completed. In particular, Ronaldo launched 180 phase, which accounted for 25% and at least twice as much as any teammate. With such a rushing Ronaldo, Bale is forced to accept double as the side and narrow the playing space.

Passmaps of Bale recent matches
Passmaps of Bale recent matches

This season, things are quite different. No Ronaldo, Bale became the center of the Real. Specific evidence is that the final score of each match Bale soared from 3.79 phase to finish in 2017/19 season to 4.32 phase definitive / match after the first 3 matches in La Liga 2018/19 .

In addition, the passmaps show that Bale is played as a free player (located near the center and has arrows swing to both sides). More evident, at Carvajal's scoreline against Getafe, the Welshman was left-footed on the left as a midfielder.

Then, Bale has the situation to hit the head in position of a cross from Marcelo's cross and the ball bounce. And finally, he scored the 2-0 goal with the situation breaking through the right-wing into the penalty area to finish, right role of a striker right. In addition, the other two goals of Bale also performed in two roles, striker and striker right.

Bale is playing very explosive at the beginning of the season
Bale is playing very explosive at the beginning of the season

Another aspect of Bale's excellence is the ability to take advantage of opportunities. Last season, Ronaldo scored 1.02 goals / 90 minutes, but the Portuguese midfielder's (xG) goal was 1.06 goals / 90 minutes. This season, Bale's performance was 1.08 goals per game while goals were expected to be 0.68 goals per 90 minutes.

More explanation about Expected Goal (xG). This is a qualitative parameter that assesses a player's ability to take advantage of the opportunity. For example, the finishing phase near the goal or the penalty is easier to eat than a long shot or penalty kick. For example, a penalty score of xG is 0.87 (87% of the grid potential and this figure is estimated).

So, the departure of Ronaldo invisible medium brings Bale back to the monster figure that Real spent up to 101 million euros to recruit. And the monster was full of humor to return to Wales. In the opening match Nations League with Ireland at home to Cardiff City, Bale once again made the audience admired with a spectacular finish to the score to 2-0.

Receiving the ball from his teammates, Bale controlled neatly and swept the ball to the left foot before bending the ball in a trailing orbit towards the corner of the letter A. It was a typical handling situation and show all. Bale's extraordinary qualities. And certainly, Bale will not stop.