How will Gareth Bale fit into the Real Madrid system?

Gareth Bale – Will he fit in Ancelotti’s expansive plans?

Ancelotti is unlikely to stick to only one system and he will look at the 4-4-2 formation at some stage, and has already deployed Ronaldo in the supporting striker’s role at times this season. While this system almost certainly assures goals for the team from both Ronaldo and Bale, Ronaldo doesn’t prefer playing in the position, and Ancelotti would risk upsetting the player at his peril.

Ancelotti has explored the idea of playing Ronaldo as a striker to play Bale on the left wing

Bale has demonstrated his ability to adapt when given new roles, and he could be tried out in the false 9 position. But he is likely to miss using the wide open spaces of the flank in this role, and the success of this move will depend on how well Bale adapts to the position, and whether he is happy playing there.

There had been talks of exploring the idea of deploying Bale at the left-back position, where he began his career, in the Madrid line-up back in 2010, when he first made headlines. In Spain, the left-back’s role is usually more like a wing-back with attacking duties, as illustrated by Dani Alves and Marcelo in recent times. Though Real Madrid didn’t pay £86 million to play him as left-back, they can certainly utilize the skills of Bale to play in that role when required.

Bale’s flexibility will be a huge advantage for Real Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti is likely to ask him to adapt once again as he tries to fit Bale into the Madrid machine and get the system running quickly. The greatest of teams require a proper structure and balance to succeed, and with Bale, Ronaldo and all the other stars, Ancelotti has one big balancing act to do to bring out the best from the team.