Zinedine Zidane, former star and current assistant coach of Real Madrid, was quoted this week as backing an improving Gareth Bale. Zizou was named the assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti after the departure of José Mourinho at the end of last season. Bale is now known for being involved in one the most lucrative transfers in football history. He did not start life at the Santiago Bernabéu on the best of notes, however, but he has been steadily improving.

Zidane said to the Daily Mail this week: “Nobody at Real Madrid was ever worried about the form of Gareth, we knew exactly what the quality of player was that we had brought.” 

He further showed his support by suggesting that Bale can surpass his records at Madrid. “The only worry I have about him now is that he goes on to be a better player for Real Madrid than I was! He is the complete attacking player - he can score, he has pace, he can create, and we have seen he is a specialist from set pieces."

Bale has so far scored 9 goals from 13 appearances under the guidance of his Real Madrid mentor. “I look forward to being part of his development - as he has everything to become the best player in the world” Zidane also told The Daily Mail. He went on to justify why Real Madrid went all out to sign Bale by suggesting that the best is still to come.

Bale has been given a challenge by Zizou. In order for Bale to surpass Zidane’s status at Real Madrid, there are a number of things he must do. Zinedine scored 49 goals in 225 appearances, while Bale already has 9 official Real Madrid goals from only 13 matches. As Zidane was always more of a playmaker than a goalscorer, it shouldn't take long for Bale to surpass his mark of 49.

But for Bale’s career to be regarded as more successful at the Bernabéu, he really needs to better Zidane’s trophy count. In his time in a white shirt, Zizou won a La Liga trophy, 2 Supercopas de España, a Champions League trophy, a UEFA Supercup and an Intercontinental Cup. Bale can also go a step above him by winning the Copa del Rey that eluded Zizou in two finals, but the most important trophy is the Champions League, the elusive Décima that Madrid supporters have long been craving. On the individual level, Bale will surely have to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

Another feat that makes Zinedine Zidane a legend is his World Cup triumph at France '98, something that will be far more difficult, if not completely impossible, for Bale to achieve with Wales.

  

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About the author
Damani Williams
I am from the caribbean island of St Vincent. I am a young man who looks at a lot of sporting activities. I also read a lot of sports news and world news. I thought I am going to make writing a new hobby of mine and more so write about the thing I love most which is sports.