Gareth Bale- Real Madrid’s answer to Barcelona’s Neymar

18 Yard Box has a look at how the young Welshman would be a brilliant signing for Madrid.

Where every team is trying to strengthen themselves this transfer season, Real Madrid too would not have liked to be left behind. Having set their sights on the Tottenham Hotspur wonder boy a couple of seasons ago, Madrid realise that now would be the perfect time to bring the Welsh international to the Bernabeu.

In a war between who is the best, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, two new players enter the fray, ready to take over from the two best players of the world.

Just as when Barcelona had played their trump card of acquiring their much sought after signing, Madrid too would like to tie up their deal for Gareth Bale.

18 Yard Box has a look at how Bale would be the ideal choice for the white army as they continue their search for the Holy Grail.

Could he be bidding Spurs goodbye?

“Bale was born to play for Madrid”, were the words echoed by the Real Madrid president Fiorentino Perez when he publically declared his liking for the 23 year old.  And in his favour, Real Madrid’s set up is just as Bale would like. A team with fast, skilful players who are not afraid to have a go at the opponents would suite him to an extent.

Bale began his career with The Saints where he was deemed as one of the hottest properties alongwith the likes of Theo Walcott. Where Walcott chose to join the Gunners, Gareth Bale followed a different path which led to London. Initially starting as a left back or a left wing back, Gareth Bale’s talent was noticed as soon as he entered the Tottenham lineup.

Bale chose to join the white side of London

 Electric pace coupled with an unnatural eye for goal saw him being picked as a regular at an age of only 18. Slowly and steadily the stealthy winger saw himself being handed the job of a talisman. And since the past two years he has been Tottenham’s sole inspiration in their quest for a Champions League spot. However, having failed to achieve the Champions League for the second time in succession, Gareth Bale could well be on his way to the Spanish capital.

"The opportunity of watching the Ronaldo-Bale magic looms large and with Neymar and Messi linking up for their arch rivals, La Liga could well be turn out to be more than a goal-fest next term."

Madrid’s set up matches the qualities of Gareth Bale. Usually put out in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Galacticos consist of two extremely skilful wingers who can destroy the opponents with their pace and trickery. At present they possess the likes of Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo. With rumours saying that Di Maria could be on his way to the spendthrifts Monaco, Bale would be an ideal man to replace him. A style similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale is more versatile than the Portuguese winger. His ability to play on the left, centre and on the right has seen him gain plenty of plaudits. More so, Bale has the uncanny knack of cutting inside from the right and scoring goals from long distances; something which Cristiano Ronaldo was famous for during his Manchester United days. To top it up, his free kick also resembles that of the Madrid’s number 7. A dip and swerve, all in a short span of time makes him probably the only one after Ronaldo to perfect the technique. 

Madrid's counter attacking strategy suites the Welshman too. With Ronaldo and Bale in tandom, Madrid can break away in more dangerous manner. 

Bale's left foot can create magic

Another bonus which Bale brings to the side is his defensive ability. Having started as a left wing back, Bale does possess the knowledge of how to defend. His tireless work rate and his ability to track back and help his team mates can be a beneficial attribute for Madrid.

Another plus point of this move is make a tormenting Ronaldo-Bale partnership where the two can terrorise the defences from the left and right respectively. Bale could be deployed on the right from where he can cut inside and provide goals. His hammer like left foot is more than capable of releasing a shot of the speed comparable to that of cannon ball. Being young, he is still to reach his prime and could very well be an excellent signing for the Madridstas.

The opportunity of watching the Ronaldo-Bale magic looms large and with Neymar and Messi linking up for their arch rivals, La Liga could well be turn out to be more than a goal-fest next term.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

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Champions League Final Special- Top 8 stars on show tonight

18 Yard Box has a look at the top 8 influential players on the pitch

The stage is set for an exhilarating season finale of the UEFA Champions League as both teams prepare to pip their German counterparts to the coveted crown.A match of such high calibre and expectations will be decided by the performance put up by the players on the pitch and anything less than a world-class performance from either set of players will leave them short on glory.

18YB analyses the key players who might be influential in this highly anticipated final.

Borussia Dortmund

Marco Reus

The clinical 23-yr old German forward has been instrumental in Dortmund’s success throughout this season and he will be left with a major role to play in Dortmund’s attacking play. After playmaker Gotze had been ruled out of the final,  Reus’ support-striker role will be more essential now .He might be the key to Dortmund’s success.

Robert Lewandowski

Having thumped 4 goals past a gritty Real Madrid side, Robert Lewandowski has shot to fame there on and his conversion skills will be put to test against the best defence of Europe. The Polish International is good in the air and can punish any defence in his best day with his clinical finishing.  The talismanic striker who has been linked to a move to the Bundesliga rivals might as well give Dortmund a farewell gift by scoring crucial goals.

Ilkay Gundogan

The 22-yr old German international of Turkish decent is the orchestrator of Dortmund’s midfield and he is one of the prime figures of the final. Gundogan has been impressive throughout this season playing as a holding midfielder and extending the play to the strikers ahead of him. The extremely versatile, two-footed player has been critical against Real Madrid marking Xabi Alonso and preventing him from threading any move.

Mats Hummels

If Dortmund were to win this match, they need to neutralise Bayern’s attacking football and Mats Hummels would be the right man to do the job. Hummels, rated as one of the best defenders in recent times, is a rock at the heart of Dortmund’s defence and his presence in the back four will be detrimental to their success. Having averted countless attacks from Madrid in the past games with his rock-solid defending but conceding a simple goal through a mistake against Madrid, Hummels needs to up his game and deliver his best to see Dortmund through the end.

Bayern Munich

Franck Ribery

Ribery, hailed as the next ‘Zinedene Zidane’, has been outstanding throughout the season, creating goals and scoring goals at will. Ribery played a key role against Barcelona in the semi-final and played a huge hand in demolishing the opposition defence. Setting up at least 3 of the 7 goals that they scored across two legs, Ribery would be the man to watch out for.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger has been the engine of Bayern Munich and his stern presence in the heart of midfield has been a key to Bayern Munich’s success in the Bundesliga as well as UCL. Schweinsteiger’s role in blocking every pass to Lionel Messi and to orchestrate each and every attacking move was instrumental in Bayern’s huge success over Barcelona.

Phillip Lahm

The 29-yr old German full-back has been undoubtedly the best right back in recent times. Good at both defending and attacking, the Bayern Munich captain was very impressive in this season, more so against Barcelona, preventing Andres Iniesta for threading any dangerous move and pushing him out of his comfort zone. If Bayern Munich were to break the jinx of final failures, they need their captain to deliver his level best.

Arjen Robben

When it comes to dribbling past defenders and scoring goals, Arjen Robben is as devastating as anyone else in the football world. After having a rather dull Euro 2012, it has been a roller-coaster ride for Robben this season, scoring 14 goals and assisting another 11. Robben’s partnership with Ribery in opposite flanks have wrecked havoc in opposition defence and Bayern Munich manager, Juup Heynckes would be relying on the highly rated wingers to do the job.

Other stars like Muller, Neuer and Subotic to name a few will also be looking to leave their mark in this game. It all remains to be seen as to who is the last man standing.

Written by,

Rishav Ghosh

Writer for 18 Yard Box.

Want to get to know what the tactics for this game would be? Read the Talking Tactics

Want to know where the game could be won or lost? Read the Player Battles.

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Champions League special: Player Battles- Borussia Dortmund v/s Bayern Munich

18 Yard Box has a look at the different areas on the pitch where the battles could be won.

London is all set to welcome the two German giants. Borussia Dormund take on Bayern Munich for claiming the bragging rights of being the best team in Europe.  With London all set to be replaced by a mini-Germany tonight, 18 Yard Box’s Rishabh Ghai takes a look at the three important battles which might be turn the game around.

Robert Lewandowski v/s Dante

Robert Lewandowski became the only player to score 4 goals in a Champions League semi-final when he dismantled Jose Mourinho’s white army. Coming off age this season, Lewandowski has scored a fantastic 35 goals in all competitions out of which 10 have come in the Champions League.  Agile and crafty, Lewandowski’s movements inside and as well as outside the box have been a constant threat for the opponents. Decent in the air, the 24 year old possesses almost all the weapons in his armoury to terrorise Neuer’s goal. He, alongwith Reus and Blaszczykowski, has formed a formidable front three for Dortmund. However, Lewandowski's path to glory would be challenged by the mighty Brzilian Dante. The 29 year old Brazilian, unlike his other international team mates, has been less erratic and stern at the back. The injury to Holger Badstuber left Bayern in a spot of bother early this season. However, Dante has done well to step up and seal his place in the starting XI. He, alongiwth Boateng or Van Buyten, has done well to keep 4 clean sheets in the previous 4 matches. His height gives him the advantage to defend long balls and his calmness at the back helps in making right decisions most of the time. His long balls up front for Mario Mandzukic has given Bayern a Plan B in attack. However, keeping Lewandowski under his control would require a lot from the defender. Tracking the Poland striker's movements and making crunching tackles is what Dante would be expected off especially after the Madrid game where Lewandowski had a free run at the white army defence without having to face a single tackle. He has done well to keep Dortmund at bay this season in most of their face offs and the Bayern defence will once again look up to him and Boateng to do the job.

Iikay Gundogan v/s Javi Martinez

Games are usually decided in midfield and this one seems to be heading the same direction. The two midfield generals have done fantastic for their respective teams this season and they will now face off to nullify each other. Martinez’s midfield ability describes him as a ‘complete’ midfielder. The Spain Internaitional has done wonders to the Bayern midfield. Sitting alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez provides a shield to the Bayern defence. His awareness for spotting opponents’ runs has seen him make a staggering 39 interceptions in the Champions League alone. He was the unsung hero in the semi finals where he cut off the spaces which Barcelona usually look to exploit. However, tonight he goes against Iikay Gundogan, the new German starlwart. Ever since the departure of Shinji Kagawa, Dormtund have had to shuffle their midfield. It’s been Mario Goetze who has filled that void and Iikay Gundogan has been given the responsibility to control the strings of the Dortmund midfield. The 24 year old German International can be categorised as a deep lying play maker much of the mould of Pirlo. He has done brilliant in the position given to him. His ball holding skills coupled with his passing abilities makes him a tough opponent for Javi Martinez. Martinez needs to be aware as Gundogan would be handed the job of spraying the passes to the wings in the Klopp’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Going into this one Martinez has already passed the test of keeping Xavi under control and would look to do the same with his German counterpart. However, Gundogan with his young legs could very well trouble the former Athletic Bilbao man.

Mats Hummels v/s Mario Mandzukic

Described as the best defender in the world, Mats Hummels has certainly been the MVP for the Dortmund side. And this time around he would be given the job of marking the in-form Bavarian striker Mario Mandzukic. Hummels has been quite vital for the Dortmund side this season. Having made 106 clearances in the Champions League alongside Neven Subotic’s 133, Hummels has forged a a brilliant partnership with the Serbian international. Excellent awareness, physical strength and a great heading ability makes him an all round defender. Not only defending, Hummels has also been responsible in making Dormund play from the back which has seen him playing in front of the midfielders at time. His vision and passing abilities slots him into the category of one of the new generation of modern defenders. However, Hummels will be up against Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Munich. The striker has been in sultry form this season and has overshadowed the presence of Mario Gomez. Gomez, who was the top scorer for Bayern in the last edition of the Champions League, has been told to be happy with a place on the bench in Madzukic’s presence. Mandzukic’s excellent movement sees him get to brilliant places from where he can create a goal scoring opportunity. He can be seen as a goal-poachers and a as a true centre forward. However, Mandzukic will have trouble holding up play if Hummels is on his heels and could lose out in this battle. Hummels though, will have to be weary of not wandering too much forward as Bayern would look to exploit this space should he find himself in alien territory.

Written By,

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

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Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Talking Tactics

18YB looks ahead to the highly anticipated Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

The Champions League final is around the corner and with both the teams participating in it being German for the first time in the history; it’s a clash that holds some real importance for the German fans. The rise shown by both teams, especially the one from Dortmund has been miraculous to say the least, for which a participation in the Wembley showpiece is a testament to the player’s efforts. In a match that promises to be an end to end game, 18YB analyses where the game could be won or lost for the Bundesliga rivals.

Bayern and Dortmund are all set to clash for European glory

Jupp Heynckes will look to set up his Bayern Munich side in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Thomas Muller the man deployed as the second striker. A defensive version of the free flowing 4-2-3-1, which Bayern have also used this term, it allows the second striker, in this case Muller, to drop deep enough with a purpose of aiding his midfielders in winning the ball back. The young German only gets a place in the crucial role in the centre of the park due to Toni Kroos’ injury which rules him out of the final.

Muller alongside Mandzukic will look to drop deep to stop Dortmund's attacks at their source

This injury though, could add width to their side with Robben the man benefitting the most. His pace and trickery on the right flank is always a threat on his day. Frank Ribery, who is expected to be at his destructive best, should start on the left hand side for Bayern, providing another attacking outlet as their cog from the deep, Schweinsteiger looks to spray passes all across the field.  Javri Martinez, on the other hand will be one of the most important players on the pitch for the Bavarians as his sturdy presence in the centre of the park provides for a formidable obstruction to passes through that area for their opponents on the night.

Muller, overall though, looks to be a man with a role who needs to turn up for the big game as his dropping deep to suffocate the Dortmund attacks at the very initiation will be crucial in winning back the possession for his side. At the same time, dragging either Hummels or Subotic out of position thereby creating space for Mandzukic to run in will also be one of his main tasks.

Ilkay Gundogan will pull strings for Jurgen Klopp's side from the midfield

Dormund’s pace on the wings can certainly hurt Bayern and thus an important part of their strategy when they don’t have the ball will be the presence of Muller, Schweinsteiger and at a slightly deeper position, Martinez. 

Dortmund, on the other hand will set up in a rather fluid 4-2-3-1 with Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan at the heart of their midfield as the deep lying midfielders. The passing in between the lines from Reus, Sahin and Grosskreutz will be important for their flowing football and plugging the gaps in behind Lewandowski will be the challenge for the Bavarians’ defense. The absence of the Bayern bound Mario Gotze will be a certain loss as the young German, for so long had been the creative mainstay behind Dortmund’s flowing football.

Reus, who is naturally a wide player may tend to link up with the wingers forcing Lewandowski to drop in a deeper role, leaving Klopp’s side short of firepower upfront. Gotze not only helped in forming the channels in and around Lewandowski but also gave the creative freedom for Reus to use the width properly, and here is where they could fall short. Nuri Sahin, on the other hand, if given an opportunity to start the game in the hole behind the striker, could play the same role Gotze so effortlessly performed throughout the season. The pace of Reus and Grosskreutz needs to be used well and it solely depends on Klopp whether to start him in the centre or wide right, although his best use will be running straight at Alaba to capitalize on his rather poor sense of timing his tackles. 

Nuri Sahin could be an unlikely saviour for Dortmund tomorrow

In the end though, the game, as every big game does, looks to be decided in the midfield with the one who suffocates the opposition’s midfield emerging as a winner. Both sides will look to use their wings as necessary attacking outlets with pace, trickery and shooting ability, all aplenty in all wide players of both sides. 

With both teams likely to attack from the word go though, neutral fans can certainly expect football at its best with some history making goals. 

Written by,

Aman Arora

Aman writes for Goal India and 18YB

What do you feel about the game? Discuss with the author by dropping in comments below

The Red Devils take on the Blues in a clash of the titans- Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the match up between the Manchester side and the side they host from London.

The rivalry between these two sides dates back to the Mourinho days. Always outspoken, the former Chelsea manager used to take no second invitation to have a dig at United's gaffer. With the 'Special One' touted to return, Chelsea would do well to win this and give him the much needed Champions League spot. On the flip side, United, having buried the title in their own graveyard, have nothing but pride to play for in this clash.

18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai has a look at the tie and predicts the eventual winners.

On the Injury front

United face hoards of injury problems with Danny Welbeck, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic all on the treatment table. Ashley Young and Fletcher are set to miss the remaining games with long term injuries. The good news is that amongst the men injured, Scholes, Vidic and Smalling could make it to the game.

Hazard could be a big miss if he fails the test

Chelsea have their own reasons for concern. Eden Hazard has bee sidelined with a knock and faces a late fitness test. However, Benitez could risk him in the hunt for the top 4. Chelsea's middle man, Jon Obi Mikel also faces a similar test from the thigh strain injury he carries.

SWOT analysis

Manchester United

The Red Devils are in a red hot form and would look to avenge their FA Cup quarter final loss against Chelsea. With nothing to play for, United will be free to field an inexperienced side and give their fringe players a run. With Javier Hernandez' goal scoring record against Chelsea, he should get the nod to lead the United attack alongwith the Kagawa to aide him. Nani and Valencia should retain their places from the draw against the Gunners and Scholes could get his start alongside Michael Carrick.

Van Persie is in the form of his life

United have been brilliant in all three department in the previous few and the sultry form of Robin Van Persie has helped them bag the 20th title. The striker's contribution is huge as the former Gunner man will be edging to add to his tally of 25 goals. At the back, United have done well after a stuttering start and much credit needs to be given to Rio Ferdinand. Initially accused over getting past his prime, the English centre back has shown that he still possesses the pedigree to play at the top level. Another player who has grasped his chance is Rafael de Silva. The young right back has been top class going into this season and has been better on the attacking front rather on the defensive. Overall he has had an excellent season.

Carrick: United's unsung hero

In the centre, United have their unsung hero Michael Carrick to thank for. At an age of 31, the English midfielder has been United's lynchpin and their answer to the holding midfielder they so dearly needed. He alongside Rooney or Kagawa has forged a strong partnership with the two men.

Despite of all this, United's weakness lies in their flanks. All the three wingmen have not performed well, leaving the job for Ryan Giggs to finish. Their have been occasional flashes of brilliance by them but on the consistency front, they are suffering. Valencia has had a below average season and Nani looks sure to head out. Ashley Young has done little to impress and has left United in a spot of bother.

Chelsea

With speculations rife that Jose Mourinho is on his way back to London, Rafa Benitez needs to add as many wins as possible to his resume as he will be looking for a new club next season. The club's interim manager has done a great job by getting Chelsea to the Europa League finals and would do better if he finishes in the top 4 this season. A must win game for Chelsea sees them with a mountain to climb against the formidable United side. Having done this before in the FA Cup quarter finals, Chelsea's confidence should be on the high as they approach this game.

The Brazilian is relishing his new role

Facing a Benfica side in the finals of the Europa League, Chelsea's revelation this season has been the emergence of David Luiz in the midfield role. The Brazilian international, although a defender by nature, has been instilled in the central role by Benitez this season on quite an occasion. His eye for goals coupled with his tackling abilities has seen him fathom in the box to box role in the absence of Mikel.

Chelsea's midfield is no short of creativity as their holy trinity of Oscar, Hazard and Mata have done really well this season. With Mikel back and Lampard hungry for his record strike, Chelsea will have a hungry side going out against United. Lampard might start beside either Ramires or Mikel with Oscar patrolling the right flank. On the left, it could be Hazard (if fit) or Mata. Ba would be given the nod to lead the line.

Chelsea' defence has been pretty much stable under the watchful eye of Ivanovic and Cahill. Azpilicueta at the right back looks decent with experienced Ashley Cole on the left.

Torres has struck form for the Blues just at the right time. With Chelsea having to dig deep into their reserves due to a cramped schedule, the Spaniard has found his hunger back. Although still not magical, Fernando Torres has been linking up pretty well with the Chelsea midfield. However, Demba Ba might be given the chance to start this one as his physical presence might give Rio and co a stern test. Ba's finishing abilities coupled with his physical game reminds one of Didier Drogba as the Senegalese international has big boots to fill.

Ba has big boots to fill

Chelsea's weakness has been their striking department. The strikers havent performed well for them this season with the bulk of their goals coming from the midfield region. Ba has not been given enough opportunities to live up to his glorious reputation and Torres has been woeful until now.

What to play for?

Going into this game, on paper, Chelsea are the only team who have everything to play for. With important games against Tottenham and Everton coming up, a win would do wonders to the Blue's confidence and would give them the much needed impetus to clinch a top 3 birth. A draw however, will still keep their Champions League hopes alive but a loss could be fatal.

Old rivalries will be re-ignited

As for United it is nothing but pride to play for. During his 26 year old reign at Old Trafford, Sir Alex has not taken a single game lightly and we can be assured that United will be up for a fight. A win would give them pride of wounding their rivals as they will hamper their progress to the Europe's elite competition. We can be assured that United will fight tooth and nail to win the tie.

The Final Verdict

With everything to play for, Chelsea would be nervous at the start. A deafening Old Trafford crowd could distract their start and United could capitalise the opening stages. However, as the game goes on Chelsea might settle down and start to trouble United. However, home advantage lies at the hands of United and they might do well to earn a draw if not win. The Old Trafford scoreboard could read 2-1 at the end of the game.





Written By,
Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

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