As the clock winds down for today's massive Copa del Rey showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid, all eyes will be on the man with the biggest number on his back, Gareth Bale. And no, I'm not referring to his number 11 print, I'm definitely pointing to the $130 million transfer price tag that's still sticking out of his well pressed Madrid jersey. Bale has taken no prisoners during his illustrious career in England, where the former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker wasted no time setting himself apart from the rest of his competitors during his last 3 seasons at White Hart Lane. Gareth has done the talking with his feet to justify that he's is among the world's best, but is he yet to prove that point at the Santiago Bernabeu?
Bale has so far netted in 14 goals in 25 appearances this season for Real Madrid, with this of course being his first season with the Los Merengues. He has so far enjoyed a pretty decent season with the club, but unfortunately, the 24 year old forward from Wales, has yet to justify his bank-buster price-tag. With the absence of Real Madrid's top player, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale must now more than ever step up to the plate in tonight's clash with long-time rivals Barcelona if he is to prove that his world record signing was indeed not a bust. Bale will be elated knowing that Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are most likely among the list of absentees due to injuries, but that won't be enough to cover the fact that standing across the other end of the field will be the magician himself, Leo Messi and his notorious partners in crime which also includes Neymar and Iniesta! Bale will not be without proper reinforcements as the ever improving Luka Modric won't be too far from sight and Angel Di Maria will also offer some comfort as the Argentinian has simply been on fire this season! It's going to be a warfare tonight, as Bale will be the man to lead his team to battle, against a rival that aren't too keen on losing in el clasico!
The factor that will be in Bale and Madrid's favor, no doubt, will be the recent slump in Barca's season so far, as they currently sit third place in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders Atletico, with only four games remaining; also the grueling fact that they were convincingly knocked out of the Champions League quarterfinals also by high-flying Atletico! If there is ever a time for Bale to shine, it has to be now! Bale thankfully is far from becoming a Madrid flop like Brazil's Kaka, but he has still yet to justify that title as the World's most expensive player. He has to bring that A-game in tonight's showdown, and this will finally prove to the world that he's either a hit or miss acquisition.
As for this season, Bale's goals have come only when his team have hitherto sealed their victory. He is yet to score a goal that changes the course of the game for Real, with the exception of his debut goal against Villarreal where the match ended 2-2 at the Estadio El Madrigal back in September 2013. He needs to also perform in the big games, where so far he has been all but invisible. Bale was signed to bring more trophies to the club, and stand out from the rest; and while he hasn't been in bad form this year, he has to eventually step it up if he's planning to stick around the Bernabeu for a long time, and most importantly, making the fans happy!
With that being said, I'm predicting a 3-2 Real Madrid victory, and I'm ready to bet my bottom dollar that Bale will unleash in tonight's game to answer his critics, that the price tag on his back is no heavier weight than his coveted number 11.
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