Lionel Messi Can't Rock Defences Again - Jorge Valdano

This could be a beef with the perspective that this comment is coming from a former Madrid player. Think it a bit he has scored 7 goals in La Liga with 8 assists but he has failed with his team in the both big games they have played this season. Is Jorge Valdano right or is he just playing football politics?

JORGE VALDANO: Gareth Bale Is Downcast

Former Real Madrid coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano has told El Larguero that Gareth Bale has looked "downcast" in recent games due to fitness issues, the expectations generated by his world-record transfer fee and competition from youngster Jese Rodriguez.

Bale has been a peripheral presence in Madrid's latest matches, while many fans and pundits in the Spanish capital have been wowed by the zip and confidence of youth product Jese, 20, on the other wing.

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains that he will not be swayed by Bale's fee in deciding whether to start Jese ahead of the Welsh star on current form, and Valdano believes the former Tottenham talisman is not yet showing his true worth.