Bale or Ronaldo – a real question for Perez!
Three matches, three goals are the main stats for Bale in France for Wales where he has reveled in the role of superstar without allowing the fact to take away from his effort and team ethic.
For Ronaldo, it has been two games, 17 shots, one penalty but no goals. He has also been caught in all kinds of controversies with memes depicted on the Portugal captain. There have also been rumours that he may have earned a three-year contract extension at the Bernebeu because of the serious flirtation with PSG but should the Madrid side cash in?
So what traits would Perez have noticed in France concerning his two superstars, Bale and Ronaldo?
Speed
Ronaldo is Ronaldo because of the way and manner; he has been able to handle a ball at top speed, whether it is the dribble or the ability to get away from opponents. But at 31, Ronaldo seems to have lost that explosive pace that he showed so much of at Manchester United but Bale, at 26, is showing all the signs that he could become a contender for Player of the year, with his performances especially in big games.
Dead ball mastery
Bale has scored two free kicks in France whereas Ronaldo has failed to score even from the penalty spot. Another very key trait of a younger Ronaldo was his ability to thwart defensive balls and deliver accurate free kicks but this ability has totally disappeared in the last six months.
Even though, Ronaldo seems to have matured to the point where he has shed some part of his considerable ego for team ethic but it still seems that he plays for himself first and then for the team. That is the total reverse for Bale, who despite carrying the tag of the costliest player in the world is seriously committed to the team first before any personal glory. Some have advised the Welsh speedster to add a bit of arrogance to his play.
Ability to carry a team
Wales are just like the Argentina team of Mexico 86 – a bunch of 10 average players plus an authentic superstar in Diego Maradona. We all know how that panned out as Argentina went on to win an unlikely trophy. This is not saying Wales will win Euro 2016, but they have a chance having topped their group that included more stellar football-playing nations like England, Russia and Slovakia.
In all, Bale’s contributions to the success of Wales is so paramount and tangible that no one needs to tell Chris Coleman that his team are where they are because of the Real Madrid striker. In qualifying, Bale was involved in 78% of his team’s goals – and at this tournament, he has contributed three of the goals of the five scored by Wales.
But Perez would not think of all the above when he comes to a conclusion because Ronaldo fits the image he wants for his ‘Galactico’ project. Ronaldo says [many are tired of hearing this] that he is the best player in the world playing at the best club in the world – Bale would never make that assertion!
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