Bale's Euro 2020 performances show he still has a hunger for football

Gareth Bale's career has been one of the very best of a British footballer and he has found huge success since signing for Real Madrid, yet has been forced to vehemently deny constant accusations that he doesn't like football, is unmotivated and that he only joined Tottenham on loan to build his fitness for Wales' Euro 2020 campaign.

With the ultimate hype man in his corner in the form of agent Jonathan Barnett, it's unsurprising that Bale's situation with Real Madrid had become somewhat of a circus.

His loan at Spurs will not be extended and he could return to the Spanish capital to fulfil the remaining year of his lucrative contract with Los Blancos, but would that be such a disaster for Real Madrid? Evidence from Euro 2020 suggests it might not be.

Bale is still hungry

Whilst many have questioned his hunger, we've seen a transformed Bale when he puts on the Wales shirt, with his leadership and desire on full display for all to see.

To argue that he isn't as committed for Real Madrid is unfair. The reality is that it's a different environment.

He can communicate with his Welsh teammates easily, although he has had plenty of time to become fluent in Spanish, and he has a defined role in the team.

With Los Merengues, Zinedine Zidane constantly changed his position and left him on the bench, which prevented him from building any momentum in the last season he spent in Spain.

His fantastic performances against Switzerland and Turkey show Bale is a player that still has it, as he can still run on the pitch and give everything for a team cause.

Ancelotti's return is key

Bale's relationship with Zidane was broken beyond repair. In Carlo Ancelotti, Bale is set to be reunited with the coach who has most believed in him during his career.

The pair have a fantastic relationship and the Italian values Bale's skillset, even if it's been years since they worked together.

Had Zidane still been in charge, Bale would be returning to Spain to sit on the sidelines, but with Ancelotti he will be given a chance to play. That's all the former Southampton academy graduate has wanted, a fair shot.

When he's motivated everyone has seen what he can do, as recently as Wednesday, and if anyone can relight that fire within Bale in Spain then it's Ancelotti.