Real Madrid's Gareth Bale could be future Wales captain, says Simon Davies

Phil Blanche 16:04 28/08/2018
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  • Gareth Bale is now the main man at Real Madrid.

    Gareth Bale‘s Real Madrid renaissance proves he has the character to be a future captain of Wales, according to his former international colleague Simon Davies.

    Bale was seemingly inching towards the exit door at the Bernabeu before scoring twice in Real’s Champions League final victory against Liverpool in May.

    Instead, manager Zinedine Zidane and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid after that triumph and Bale has since played a pivotal part under new boss Julen Lopetegui, scoring in Real’s opening two La Liga wins.

    “It’s funny how it’s all worked out for Gareth,” Davies said.

    “The middle of last season he was struggling with injury and Ronaldo was always the main man.

    “Then he scores those goals in the Champions League final, Ronaldo leaves, and now he’s the main man.

    “So he’s probably got what he’s always wanted there and he’s embracing it. As long as he stays fit he’ll go on and have a great season.”

    Simon Davies (bottom left) and Gareth Bale (2nd bottom l) line up for Wales ahead of their 2010 World Cup qualifier with Germany in October 2008.

    Simon Davies (bottom left) and Gareth Bale (2nd bottom l) line up for Wales ahead of their 2010 World Cup qualifier with Germany in October 2008.

    Former Fulham and Tottenham midfielder Davies was in the Wales team the day Bale became his country’s youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 315 days in May 2006.

    He witnessed Bale’s journey from teenage prospect to world superstar and believes Wales’ record goalscorer will go on to captain his country when veteran defender Ashley Williams leaves the international scene.

    “Gareth is definitely a leader,” Davies said at a McDonald’s community day.

    “You can just see he loves playing for Wales, and never misses a game if he’s not injured. When Ash decides to call it a day I can’t see anyone taking over other than Gareth.”

    Simon Davies believes Wales boss Ryan Giggs could make Gareth Bale the national team captain.

    Simon Davies believes Wales boss Ryan Giggs could make Gareth Bale the national team captain.

    Wales boss Ryan Giggs names his squad for the inaugural UEFA Nations League qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark on Wednesday.

    The Ireland game on September 6 will be Giggs’ first at home after three friendlies in China and the United States since his January appointment.

    “Ryan’s got a tough job,” Davies said of his former Wales team-mate.

    “They hit the heights at the Euros (reaching the semi-finals in 2016) and it’s a bit of a transition period.

    “He’s got to manage it and the country have to be aware of that. There’s more good youngsters coming through and Ryan’s got to bring them in and build again.

    “But he always thought about the game a lot when he was playing and he’s definitely got the experience to do it.”

     

    Davies was speaking at the McDonald’s & FAW Community football Day in Baglan. These football days are taking place across the UK this summer, giving thousands of children the chance to enjoy the beautiful game. www.mcdonalds.co.uk/communityfootballdays

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