Although his work-rate, movement, attitude and phenomenally silky hair can’t be criticized, Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer, doesn’t look comfortable in a Madrid jersey.
Sunday’s El Clasico saw the pacey attacker take defenders on, especially in the first half, but that deft touch, that killer instinct which Bale once possessed in big games appears to have evaporated into thin air. Call it bad luck, call it misfortune, call it what you will. The tension between the Welshman and Cristiano Ronaldo is palpable, and this, according to Chris Coleman, the Wales manager, is an issue Carlo Ancelotti needs to resolve very quickly.
Coleman believes this ‘political’ fuelled, diva divide may affect Bale as he tries to guide his country to Euro 2016. Real entered Sunday’s showdown trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by one point, and the previous 2-0 win over Levante, although a comprehensive victory, was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s theatrics. Melodrama in its most extreme form, after Bale scored on the rebound from one of his shots, the Portuguese attacker proceeded to act out in a histrionic fashion, like a scolded child denied desert.
England’s answer to El Clasico saw a refreshingly vibrant performance from Manchester United. Angel Di Maria, the £55 million record signing, supplied a splendid assist for Juan Mata’s beautifully executed volley, however, yet again, he struggled to justify his enormous pricetag.
Sold by Real to make room for Bale, the world’s sixth most expensive player of all time has struggled in recent months, but what has prevented the Argentine from replicating his Champions League winning form of 2014?
Like Wayne Rooney, one of his attacking partners in crime, Angel Di Maria has struggled with the English language, but even he must understand the basic premise behind the visceral chants being directed from so many opposing fans. From “the next Giggsy, my arse,” to “what a waste of money,” the ex Benefica favourite is playing like a man deeply affected by these harsh but very possible truths.
Earning a salary in the region of £256,000-a-week, the gaunt winger may be rather reluctant to part with such ludicrous sums of money, however, Paris Saint Germain, a club reportedly interested in his services, can offer a similar, if not superior, package.
In addition to the appeal of swapping Cheshire for the 16th Arrondissement of Paris, Di Maria has admitted that the weather is also something that “doesn’t help a lot.” When you’re earning more than a quarter of a million a week, a little rain shouldn’t be enough to dampen your spirits.
“I know I can afford to give my family a life that 99% of the world can only dream about, but it’s raining outside.” Angel Di Maria, come on, just buy an umbrella.
According to Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach, Real Madrid sold Di Maria to Manchester United because he was not attractive enough. Interestingly, his Bernabeu exit came a year after Mesut Ozil, another strange looking character, left for London. Coincidence? I’ll let you decide.
Florentino Perez seems to desire Galacticos that everyone can admire, in both a physical and footballing sense. Sex sells, even in football.
Okay, so Di Maria is no Ryan Gosling, but that doesn’t explain his underwhelming performances. If memory serves correct, didn’t he still have the same big ears when he helped Madrid lift the Champions League trophy last year?
Secretly, deep down, perhaps Di Maria is a little bitter that Real decided to sacrifice him in favour of World Cup star James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale, two more ‘aesthetically pleasing’ players. But his undying flirtation with Paris Saint-Germain suggests money is a motivator. How much money does one man need?
Yes, the early signs were deeply encouraging. The wiry winger scored three goals in his first five appearances for United, but he has only registered one strike at the ‘mighty’ Yeovil since.
This is a man who helped Real Madrid win la décima, a key player for Argentina, so why he is struggling against the likes of Sunderland?
Also, could his reported desire to move clubs signal a return to the Premiership for Gareth Bale?
Only time will tell.
