Gareth Bale: Real Madrid star feels that this is his year
It was only their first LaLiga game under their new head coach, but many of the collective traits typical of a Julen Lopetegui side were already on display in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Getafe on Sunday night. They were a tightly-knit unit who worked hard for each other, pressed zealously to win possession back in the opposition's half, and took real good care of the ball, leaving Los Azulones to run themselves into the ground in pursuit of it.
Bale has started in fine nick - and must be the man to provide the goals
Among those who most look to have hit the ground running this season is Gareth Bale. The Welshman feels that this is his year, that this is the moment to take a step to the fore and become Los Blancos' leader.
With Cristiano Ronaldo no longer there, Bale has much more freedom to drift across the attack. He popped up on both left and right to penetrate to great effect out wide, while he could also be seen dropping into the hole behind the forward line - and bursting into the box to get himself into shooting positions. That in particular is something that must be demanded of him this term - and, with it, more goals.
He's certainly got it in him to deliver.