Real Madrid: Can Cristiano Ronaldo & Gareth Bale Really Play Together?

world transfer record move to Real Madrid. Aside from giving Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas a headache as to how he can replace his top goalscorer last season, it also gives Real boss Carlo Ancelotti something of a conundrum. You'd be forgiven for thinking that the former Chelsea manager will be left holding all the aces following the completion of this deal but in actual fact he could be left scratching his head wondering how on earth he can fit Bale into his system. It's not as though the Italian has plenty of space on his left-wing to accommodate the Welshman. There is, of course, the issue of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo to take into account. Remember him? The former FIFA World Player of the Year? How is he going to react when Ancelotti brings in a newer, shinier model? Ronaldo's ego is legendary. At present, he is the jewel in the crown of a star-studded Real side but with the addition of Bale, will he still be top dog in the Spanish capital? Factoring both players into the same side will be difficult for Ancelotti. He is going to have to play both for it is inconceivable for him to drop one to the bench for the other without causing a rift of epic proportions. One option he has is to play Bale behind the main striker, Karim Benzema, and alongside Ronaldo in a forward line that will give La Liga defenders nightmares. But that isn't a flawless fix because then there's the issue of where to put Mesut Ozil, who arrived at the Bernabeu for ‚15 million three seasons ago. The attacking midfielder excelled in his position last season making 31 appearances for Los Blancos, but the German would surely see his playing time disappear should Bale and Ronaldo work in the same side. Bale could be played on the left, his favoured position having started his career as a left-back, but not without upsetting Ronaldo, who would then have to give way and play on the right, which isn't likely to happen. The only solution we can see is putting Bale on the right, which isn't a totally alien concept considering the Welshman played there at times for Spurs last season. Ronaldo could retain his spot on the left, allowing Ozil or new signing Isco to take up the playmaking role. Of course, that would sound the proverbial death knell for Angel Di Maria, unless he's happy with sitting on the bench. And what about Luka Modric? There is a way to fit both Ronaldo and Bale into the same side - but not without casualties. And that's the problem currently facing Carlo Ancelotti.