Bale's rebirth

Real Madrid's shift to a more team-oriented outfit has seen them record a fine start to the season. 'Los Blancos' currently sit second in LaLiga on goal difference only and thumped last season's semi-finalists Roma in their Champions League opener at the Bernabeu.

One key component in that impressive start to the campaign has been Bale. Aside from perhaps Dani Ceballos, no other player has benefitted from Lopetegui's arrival as much as the Welshman.

Indeed, when the former Spain boss replaced Zidane at the helm it looked very much as if Bale, not Cristiano Ronaldo, would be the big-name star to depart the club in the summer.

In the end, that was not the case, with Lopetegui quickly reminding the former Tottenham winger of the admiration he had for his abilities, with Bale having repaid his faith in spades since.

Bale's Real Madrid career had been regularly disrupted by injuries since his move to the Spanish capital in 2013, but with a full pre-season under his belt he appears to be in his best shape for some time and it is showing on the pitch.

In six appearances spread across LaLiga and the Champions League, Bale has scored four goals and laid on two assists this season as he appears desperate to prove he is capable of filling Cristiano Ronaldo's rather large shoes.

Even against Espanyol (when he was rested) Bale appeared a much cheerier figure on the bench. The 'Cardiff Express' really has been reborn in the last couple of months.

As we mark a year since Bale's last injury setback, it may be Bale's time to shine has finally arrived and he is grasping it firmly with both hands so far.