Bale can fill 'massive' Ronaldo void at Real Madrid, says Wales manager Giggs

Sport360 staff 16:35 30/08/2018
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  • Wales manager Ryan Giggs has backed Gareth Bale to deal with the pressure of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo as the new star player at Real Madrid.

    Ronaldo’s move to Juventus this summer has seen an increased role for Bale, and he’s scored in each of Madrid’s first two La Liga games.

    “When someone like Cristiano leaves there is always going to be a spotlight on who is going to replace him goal-wise and threat-wise,” Giggs said of his fellow Welshman.

    “It’s a massive void to fill but Gareth has the experience now of being at the club for a long time. Every year there is pressure on him and he has handled it brilliantly.

    “Gareth has shown his qualities in big games and that he can handle anything that is thrown at him.”

    Bale scored his 29th international goal earlier this year to become Wales’ top scorer, going past Ian Rush’s record.

    The 29-year-old has been selected for Wales’ 25-man squad for the UEFA League of Nations clashes against Ireland and Denmark, and his form has been a source of delight for his national-team manager.

    “He has started this season on fire,” Giggs said. “But there’s never really a time when he is not playing well.

    “I think always the problem with Gareth is that when he has been injured, he’s then had to come back and get more game time. But when he plays, he always plays well and more or less scores.”

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