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Gareth Bale to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid's main man next season, says Guillem Balague

 Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF celebrates
Image: Gareth Bale will fully flourish at Real Madrid next season, according to Guillem Balague

In his weekly column, Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague answers your questions and claims Gareth Bale will replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid's main man next season.

Bale opened the scoring in Real's 2-0 win at Eibar on Sunday, his first goal for the club since August, while it was also the first time the forward had netted on the road since January.

The Wales international also contributed two assists in Madrid's 4-3 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday after a recent layoff with a calf injury.

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And Balague believes Real's fans will start to see the very best of Bale should Ronaldo depart the Bernabeu next summer.

He also gives his thoughts on the form of James Rodriguez, a possible transfer ban for Real Madrid and the future of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona.

Guillem answers your questions…

After a couple of assists for Ronaldo against Shakhtar, Gareth Bale has finally scored again himself - how did you rate his performance? Is he back on song? (Rob, via email)

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Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target as Real Madrid won 2-0 away at Eibar

GUILLEM SAYS: Bale got two assists against Shakhtar and he scored the first goal against Eibar - it was a set piece prepared in training, a two versus one in the corner, then Luka Modric puts a cross in and Bale comes from deep to the near post to head home.

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It was a very important goal and I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity to be the main man at Real Madrid, you are going to see more and more of that. He enjoys the freedom of playing wherever he wants - right, left, in the middle - but while Cristiano Ronaldo is there it is not easy for him to grow.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Gareth Bale
Image: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) celebrates with team-mate Gareth Bale after the Welshman had opened the scoring at Eibar

So that is why Madrid are thinking it is the right time to sell Ronaldo and to allow Bale to grow. We have seen only flashes so far of Bale, there is a lot of confidence in him and that is why they will keep him next season for sure.

James was subbed against Eibar and didn't seem happy about it - is Rafa utilising him in the right way? (Lou, via email)

GUILLEM SAYS: The reason why James does not play more often is not because of his style or quality, as Rafa Benitez is well aware that he is a very good player, but his fitness is still not quite right.

You do not want a player to play the full game when you know he does not have 90 minutes in him and it is better to bring him back to full fitness little by little, that is all it is.

James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema of Real Madrid
Image: James Rodriguez appeared unhappy at being substituted by Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez against Eibar on Sunday

There is a lot of pressure in the media, which I am sure comes from his representatives and from the fact he is unhappy, for him to play as he is another Jorge Mendes player.

But I think we are going to see a better James later on in the season when bit by bit he gets back to full fitness.

What's the latest on reports of a Real transfer ban? (@PrakritSachdeva)

GUILLEM SAYS: There is nothing at the moment to say on this, other than the fact that FIFA are investigating Atletico Madrid, and clubs like Chelsea as well, and Real Madrid on how they dealt with the young sides and the players they registered as Real players.

FIFA
Image: FIFA are understood to be investigating clubs like Real Madrid regarding their registering of young players

There is a threat of a possible ban, but no news on that just yet.

Where does the future of 'MSN' lie? (@fizzyAviral)

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Luis Suarez doubled Barcelona's lead over Real Sociedad with this skillful volley

GUILLEM SAYS: Basically Barcelona want Neymar to stay, but he is no rush to renew his contract because he wants to see how his tax situation develops and, meanwhile, he will flirt with the likes of Manchester United.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior and Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez
Image: Guillem Balague gives us the latest on the futures of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp

Lionel Messi has opened up his mind to the possibility of leaving, but it does not mean he will, and Luis Suarez will stay.

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