James @GalloisinFrance takes a look at the return to form of Gareth Bale, and ahead to the Euros.

Let’s face it, as Wales fans, we have all been loving the sight of a smiling, happy and especially, goal scoring Gareth Bale. The social media videos of him alongside Rodon and Davies, being his usual mischievous self, have warmed the heart after watching a few difficult years at Real Madrid. It is such a contrast to how he has been treated by the Spanish media and fans.

A hattrick

A few weeks ago, we were all potentially watching in disbelief and wonder as Bale got back to scoring ways with 4 goals in 2 games against Southampton and Sheffield United, including a great hattrick against the Blades. In the Premier League to date, he has 9 goals this season in 18 games. A strike rate of 0.50 per game. Perhaps even a few weeks ago, we were all dreaming of seeing another Bale star show at the Euros this summer, just like in 2016. But with a moment of reality, we all know that he isn’t capable anymore of beating a defender by running a few yards off the pitch and score a winner in a cup final. But following the frustrations at Real Madrid, he has made an exceptional return.

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Dark times at Real

Back in March, whilst we were all singing Bale’s praises, Alvaro Romeo, of Talk Sport and The Totally Football Show, gave a more reflective look at Bale’s form. Whilst acknowledging that Bale will be remembered as a Real Madrid legend after his contributions to Real’s recent successes, Alvaro stated that he (Bale) won’t be held in a high regard. Contrast Gareth Bale with other players such as Juanito, Santillana or Hugo Sanchez. Even though he has won more trophies than them (15 in 7 seasons), those players are dear to the hearts of Real Madrid fans. When looking at Gareth’s form, Alvaro believes that the demands between Spurs and RM are different, being much lower at Spurs and that you need to do “much more to play for RM”. A statement I’m sure most of us (Spurs fans aside), would agree with.

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There is no doubt we have seen a return to form for Gareth. From the shaky and uncertain no11 that played timidly against Finland in September 2020, to the one finally scoring for Spurs and making a big impression in recent Wales fixtures. He is a confidence player and needs to be “treated carefully to get the best out of him”, according to his ex-manager Harry Redknapp. And he would know. He was responsible for signing Bale from Southampton to Spurs and playing him further up the park to make him in to the player he is today.

A contrast to Madrid

This was certainly not the case during the last few seasons at Real. Singled out by the media, scorned and booed by fans – his case probably wasn’t helped by the “Wales.Golf.Madrid” flag dance after the win against Hungary either. The reasons and arguments over the years as to how he hasn’t assimilated himself in to local life, Real Madrid culture and (apparently) unable to speak the language, have built up against Gareth. And has thrown much negativity on his position as a RM player with an enormous salary. His confidence has been at a real low point, which was evident in his performance away against Hungary in 2019.

Wales and Spurs fans alike cannot be blamed for having tremendous hopes for a total turn around in the player’s form and goal return, when his loan move back to the Premier League was revealed. Looking back on this season, it has been full of stuttering starts and frustrations and looking at the stats, it’s clear to see why. In the Premier League he only scored 1 goal in 2020 and his other 8 have all come in 2021. He has 5 other goals across the EFL Cup, Europa League and FA Cup, which totals to 14 goals across all competitions in 32 games so far this season. For a player that has been constantly questioned and jibbed, it’s not that bad really, is it!? Not exceptional but very good.

Anticipation for the Euros

Hoping that he comes through the last few Premier League games and warm-up friendlies unscathed and injury-free, what sort of Gareth Bale should we be expecting to see this summer? Spurs fans were claiming the return of the “prodigal son” in September last year and set the bar high. Although for the most part this season, it hasn’t been all MOM performances and goals galore, we have slowly been able to see a Gareth getting back to form. With the Euro’s just around the corner, this is just in time for Wales. He might have not have scored in his last 5 games for Wales but with 4 assists in these games, it’s clear to see that his contribution to the team is so important to our success. In March, Alvaro Romeo questioned if Gareth was really getting back to form, asking if it has just been “a couple of exceptional weeks?”.

Perhaps that is the case. But this summer, all we need is a couple of exceptional weeks to have a tournament that we’ve all been so desperate to live again. Viva Gareth Bale…

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sources for quotes: Talksport.com 12/02/21 / Hotspurhq.com 10/2020 / Transfermarkt.com / (all accessed on 16/05/21)