Bale

[fiveattheback]

Nov 30, 2022 0:37:30 GMT allezlesrouges said:

There really is nothing left for him to achieve in football now, he's done everything he could possibly do for us and more. He's certainly achieved everything at club level too

I can't help but think back to his performance against Turkey, where he created 5 big chances for us in one game. That just feels so long ago now, and looking at the last few games he's played for us he's just nowhere near that now. So I do feel it is time for change. But I'll say it again...

111 caps
41 goals
22 assists
First major tournament in 58 years
Euro semi-final & bronze medal
First world cup in 64 years
2x Euro knockout phases
3 major tournaments
Our all time-top scorer at major tournaments (4 goals)
Only one of 4 Welsh scorers at World Cups

I'll never see his like again in my lifetime, and we need to really push through getting him a statue outside the CCS. His impact on this nation will be felt forever

+Captained Wales to 2 major tournaments, the only player ever to do that, maybe he wants a third?

The US move was a bad idea, he needs regular football

[talyfan]

I think if we had a respectable showing this world cup he'd have called it a day but since we didn't I think that's spurred him more to end on a high note.

[rushy]

I hope he stays on even he can influence positively.

[fiveattheback]

I can't see him wanting to end his Wales career being subbed off at half-time in a 3-0 defeat to England that dumped us out of a World Cup. He'll try and play in the next campaign.

[insertname]

What has to happen for him to get back to a place where he merits a role in the team though? He hasn’t played that regularly going into the tournament fair enough, but for a while he’s looked very laboured when running and not been contributing much in games where he hasn’t got on the scoresheet. He looks physically finished at the moment. Will he ever return to being an international standard footballer we can rely upon?

[mrpicton79]

He has to start playing regularly at club level again. This thing of not playing at all for your club and then hoping to produce the goods for your national side a few times a year doesn't work long term. Not exactly a hot-take but you can see it's all caught up with him, he looks like a retired player in a charity game out there, which is essentially what he is at this point.

[dai]

i have to be honest, even though I knew his legs have gone and he's not half the player he was, I naively thought we'd see a rejuvenated Bale at this WC. He's barely played for 2 months, however I thought that was him saving himself from injury. I was expecting some extra exertion and effort now he's actually at his ultimate goal of playing in the WC, but he offered nothing. Very sad to see. I don't understand how such a specimen of a player can decline to such a poor physical and mental state. He's only 33, he should still be able to run around the pitch a bit. I've seen 40 year old's playing Saturday league who can move around faster on the pitch! Obviously they're not playing against world class opposition, but the point of fitness still stands. 

I know every individual is different, but Bellamy retired at 34, and right up until his last cap he still had pace and was able to get up and down the pitch, even with serious ongoing knee issues.

I really wish he'd address his poor performance, either admitting he's chronically injured, or he was carrying a knock, or that he's completely unfit.

[jimexotic]

If Bale did all he could this tournament, put everything he could into the three games he played and left it all out there I think it's best for all concerned that he has no more than a cameo role at International level now because we aren't the kind of team that will ever be able to carry players.

[allezlesrouges]

I thought the same and it's sad it turned out that he just didn't have the legs for it. He looked so determined before kick off I thought we were about to see him meaning business. Such a shame

[garynysmon]

Tbh I still can't figure out how a 33 year old, once world class player, can decline so much.

Its Football Manager game levels of post 30 decline isn't it, where a player's pace can suddenly drop from 18 to 4 almost overnight.

I know that elite level sport means you have to be at your absoloute sharpest but he spent, what, a fornight between the MLS Cup Final and the rest of squad's arrival just working on his fitness in Cardiff didn't he?

Joe Allen, after 2 months out and 20 mins in his legs, looked sharper in the England game.

Its sad to see him trotting around the pitch like a retired shire horse not doing anything.

Yet there's still that part of me that refuses to believe there's nothing at all left in the tank.

[morg]

Agreed. Ramsey seems to pretty energetic too. Just don't know about Bale. Something's not right.

[iot]

Pure speculation on my part, but I wonder if Bale's been covering up a back injury recently. He had it so bad at the end of last season that Ancelotti said he couldn't walk:

www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-ancelotti-bale-bad-back-couldnt-walk/blt4a7ecbb501ec71f1

Just seems strange that he was kept on the bench every game for LAFC and the extent of his immobility in the tournament

[dai]

Something was seriously wrong with him. I have noticed in warmups, and prior to kick off, he spends a few seconds sort of massaging his back area. Wonder if that's all related to these back injury stories.

And when you read things like the above and the past few months, you have to wonder why is he carrying on? He's damaged his legacy quite a bit already the past few years. He's played at the WC with Wales, his ultimate goal, what else is there for him to do?

Eden Hazard is rumoured to be considering international retirement, and he looks a lot fitter and mobile than Bale.

Also, back issues are notoriously common in golfers..............maybe all the hours on golf courses haven't helped with things. 

[saints19]

It's up to Bale to decide how he feels ultimately. Even in the last few months he's scored critical goals that have got us important results. He scored the winner in the play off final for example. The idea he's finished or past it is nonsense, but he did look jaded at this World Cup. It's up to him to decide whether or not he has it in his body to keep playing football, he should take the time to decide and not be rushed. He's lost none of his ability, but my God he looked knackered at times in this WC. So perhaps if he does play on it won't be 90 minutes all the time. One thing is certain, he needs games at club level if he does decide to play on. Whatever happens, he's an absolute legend, the greatest Welsh player of all time in my view. Get him that statue!

[bale-droed]

There were some rumours about back issues. After the USA game some pundit was talking about how he has it on good authority that Real Madrid used to ask him to stop playing golf as it wasn’t allowing back injuries to heal to which Souness went on a rant talking about how is issues his entire career have been psychological according to his sources. So two pundits both with an opinion and both opposite. Probably both talking shit

[dai]

Find it interesting that Portugal have 'dropped' their talisman and goat Ronaldo, and it bloody paid off. Incredible stuff from that kid Ramos.

Obviously we have nobody near that quality, and it does help when the rest of the team are world class as well, but I think this is a valid lesson going forward. I can't help but notice similarities between Ronaldo's situation and Bale, but Bale is much worse off.

I think he really does need to take a step back now, and become a squad player rather than a guaranteed starter. I just think back over the last few years, it's only the Austria game that really stands out as a great Bale performance.

[welrus]

Dec 2, 2022 23:54:28 GMT saints19 said:

It's up to Bale to decide how he feels ultimately. Even in the last few months he's scored critical goals that have got us important results. He scored the winner in the play off final for example. The idea he's finished or past it is nonsense, but he did look jaded at this World Cup. It's up to him to decide whether or not he has it in his body to keep playing football, he should take the time to decide and not be rushed. He's lost none of his ability, but my God he looked knackered at times in this WC. So perhaps if he does play on it won't be 90 minutes all the time. One thing is certain, he needs games at club level if he does decide to play on. Whatever happens, he's an absolute legend, the greatest Welsh player of all time in my view. Get him that statue!

I don’t think he’s fit at all. Hopefully he can regain fitness / shake off injury and play a bigger part in games. Reality is though even when unfit he’s often scored critical goals and without him we wouldn’t have reached the World Cup. Even at the World Cup he ‘won’ and scored the penalty. And my foggy recollection of the USA match is that our nearly moments were a Moore header, Bale being fouled on the half way line with the goalie out, and in injury time him nearly getting a shot away on the edge of the penalty area.

So I’d like to see him continue but realistically not play 90. A super sub.

In recent years I’ve thought he always has given the ball away quite a lot but his skill, goals, and moments in the past have offset that. And with us playing so much of the World Cup defending maybe he didn’t really get that much opportunity - made worse by his lack of fitness.

[allezlesrouges]

Dec 7, 2022 18:35:08 GMT dai said:

Find it interesting that Portugal have 'dropped' their talisman and goat Ronaldo, and it bloody paid off. Incredible stuff from that kid Ramos.

Obviously we have nobody near that quality, and it does help when the rest of the team are world class as well, but I think this is a valid lesson going forward. I can't help but notice similarities between Ronaldo's situation and Bale, but Bale is much worse off.

I think he really does need to take a step back now, and become a squad player rather than a guaranteed starter. I just think back over the last few years, it's only the Austria game that really stands out as a great Bale performance.

His overall performance was not good in that game. He produced 2 moments of real quality, but I remember talking to my family in the stands saying he looks way off the pace, until he scored that free kick

[hooky]

He must have a chronic back condition? He had an extremely easy time at LA and if he is that injured based on so very little game time due to injury then it is very hard to see how he can be any fitter in a more intensive league. Goodness signing for Cardiff would be a disaster given the demands of that league!

I love the guy but my one big disappointment is why oh why did he have to play golf so much? He had the rest of his life to play it 24/7 when he was retired from football but had to keep playing it 'apparently' intensively through his 20s and 30s. I do not think that his back and other injury problems would have developed as they have and become so restrictive if he had not played it so much. Elite athletes and sports people give up other sports altogether to avoid injuries and golf is known to be linked to back and joint problems

So stupid if his love for golf has prevented him continuing being the superstar he was. It was around 26 onwards that his injury problems took hold and it was when he was at Madrid that you constantly heard about golf. If his problems are due in large part to golf then it is so disappointing - can you imagine what more he could have achieved and contributed to Wales, especially in this WC, if he had not played golf?

[aberbeeg]

Would the golf simulator Bale had shipped to the Welsh camp in Doha have helped?  

[hooky]

I am assuming that is a twisted joke!

You would have thought medics would have told him the negative effect on his injury issues that golf would have?

I almost wished he had a passion for partying rather than golf. As long as you are not an alcoholic then you can shake off a few late nights!   

[CrackityJones]

What are you talking about? You've made a massive assumption that golf has contributed to his injury problems and ran with it to the point you would rather he was a pisshead instead? Strangest post in a long time and there's been PLENTY of them recently.

[allezlesrouges]

I have it on pretty good authority that the chronic nature of his injuries in the 2nd half of his career stems from the fact that Real Madrid would rush his return to playing, because they had paid such a huge fee for him at the time, they were apparently quite impatient and this would aggravate his injuries that weren't fully healed

[eppingblue1]

Dec 8, 2022 1:11:40 GMT allezlesrouges said:

Dec 7, 2022 18:35:08 GMT dai said:

His overall performance was not good in that game. He produced 2 moments of real quality, but I remember talking to my family in the stands saying he looks way off the pace, until he scored that free kick

Isn't that the issue though. He's off the pace but its Bale that produces 2 moments of individual brilliance that win us the game. One could well have come 95 minutes in against Iran. This time it didn't and clearly those moments are becoming less frequent. There's not similarities with Portugal, there's  a comparison. Portugal can replace Ronaldo with quality, we cant replace Bale with anything like the quality. He's been the leading or equal leading goalscorer in our last 6 campaigns and I for one expect him to be there or thereabouts for the next one. 

[hooky]

8 of the Most Common Golf Injuries

When examining the movements involved in golf, from the body’s rotation in the swing, to a player’s grip and foot placement, it makes sense that many of the most common golf injuries are in the joints and of course, the lower back.

1. GOLF BACK INJURIES OR PAIN
A full round of 18 holes of golf has players hunched over their ball and lining up their shot before swinging over the course of four to five hours. Amateur golfers know too well that unlike the pros, it often takes more than two to three swings to get from the tee to the green.

The repeated stress of rotation in the swing can create serious lower back pain and strain. Proper technique is key, but so is a strong abdominal core that can endure the continued intensity of several hours’ worth of swinging.

Keeping the back limber by stretching and warming up before playing will also help protect against common golf back injuries.

For those who carry their clubs on the course instead of using a cart, upper back pain can be a problem just like lower back injuries.

8 of the Most Common Golf Injuries

2. ROTATOR CUFF INJURY
The group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint and keeping it firmly in place is known as the rotator cuff. In particular, the supraspinatus tendon is at risk for developing rotator cuff tendonitis (supraspinatus tendonitis).

Like the lower back, the rotator cuff is forced to absorb continued stress with every golf swing and that can cause micro-tears, bursitis, and outright ruptures in the grouping of soft-tissue.

Rotator cuff pain may even be felt after a round of golf is played. Athletes with this injury usually experience a sensation of weakness, along with pain and discomfort, as well as finding it difficult to extend the arms overhead.

[CrackityJones]

Bloody hell you're in full keyboard conspiracy theorist mode. Keep googling...

[marsvolta]

Not that anyone other then the media had suggested otherwise, Bale confirms that he’s staying in for the Euro Qualifiers.


www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/gareth-bale-next-club-wales-28798672

[kb4b50]

He has been a great player over the years and undoubtedly a Welsh legend. However if he is not a regular at club level he should not be included imo same goes for Ramsey and Hennesey. Time for some young blood 

[insertname]

Dec 22, 2022 20:28:14 GMT kb4b50 said:

He has been a great player over the years and undoubtedly a Welsh legend. However if he is not a regular at club level he should not be included imo same goes for Ramsey and Hennesey. Time for some young blood 

In many ways I would hope he would announce his retirement and the FAW pay whatever they have to for a friendly against Argentina as a testimonial for Bale at the millennium stadium. Get a big crowd in, doubtless he’d donate the takings to charity so it could help a good cause and give Bale the send off he deserves against the world champions.

By trying to get through to the Euros given his current physical state he’s at risk of tarnishing his reputation. He just looks so far off being a useful player for Wales and I’m not sure his body will be able to get back to a standard suitable for where Wales want to be. It’s not good seeing him trundling around the pitch, unable to get out of first gear. I really hope we don’t see much more of it.

[surge]

Lots of disappointment in recent results but think we need to balance between recognising Bale can definitely still contribute (see Austria game, Ukraine game, Netherlands away, even Poland at home when he had bullet header in 90+1 minute cannon off bar) and that he's 33 going on 34 having already had 18-year senior football career, probably with too many injuries.

When do you start to move on from Bale? Well he'll be 35 at end of Euro 2024. If he started at 20 years old, then a 19-year career would make him 39!!

But lets also recognise that players aged 25'ish haven't been able to bench him yet and we're probably looking at team effort to fill his boots. That team needs time together, sure, but probably also needs option of Bale off the bench.

Debate in recent years has been whether John Charles or Gareth Bale is best Welsh footballer of all time with several saying Bale taking us to modern day World Cup, not matter what happened after the USA game, ensuring he held that title. Charles' last cap in 1965, Bale's first cap in 2006 meaning 41 years between the two with lots of very good, good, average and less than average players in between.