Bale's status causing issues?

SPORT newspaper have reported that Gareth Bale's Real Madrid teammates are "annoyed" with the Welshman- who has apparently asked for a new contract.

Whilst it is worth noting that SPORT is a Barcelona-based newspaper, Bale has made a significant impact since he joined Real three years ago from Tottenham. Undoubtedly, Bale has been a key figure in the white's Decima and Undecima successes. So why would his teammates supposedly hold a grudge?

In his maiden season in Madrid, the Welshman tallied 15 goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances in La Liga. En route to winning the Champions League in 2014, Bale contributed six goals and four assists, helping Los Merengues finally seal their 10th European cup.

Two years later, and Real had secured an unprecedented 11th European success. Bale's figures didn't match his contribution to the previous success, but still provided two assists in 8 matches, and claimed two man of the match awards.

Domestically, La Liga success has eluded Real since the 2011-2012 season. City rivals Atletico broke the status quo when they stormed to success in 2013/2014, and Barcelona have claimed the title three times since. However, Real finished just one point behind Luis Enrique's side in 2015/2016.

Bale carried this fine form into his second season in the Spanish capital, and finished the 2014/2015 season with 13 goals and 9 assists in 31 appearances. Last season, the Welshman recorded an outstanding 19 goals and 10 assists in 23 appearances in La Liga. This, despite missing 17 games through injury.

In this summer's European Championship, he helped lead Wales to the Semi-final stage with three goals and an assist in six ties. Wales succumbed to a 2-0 defeat by Portugal at the penultimate hurdle.

Real Madrid fans will hope he can maintain this level of performance as the season develops. Bale has already notched two goals (both against Real Sociedad in matchday one) and will again be a key figure in Zinedine Zidane's first full season in charge. Especially whilst Cristiano Ronaldo recovers from injury.

Of course, Real have plenty of exciting attacking options. Marcos Asensio has made an impressive start to life back at Real, and Lucas Vazquez has shown plenty of ability. Jese was allowed to depart for Paris Saint-Germain but lets also not forget what James Rodriguez and Isco bring to this side.

Though I believe that there is enough room for Ronaldo and Bale in Real's starting XI, a side without the Portuguese is something that Madridistas may have to get used to in the next couple of years.

Bale though, has shown that he is an elite player, and reports of unrest between his teammates about him seem very strange, given what he brings to the side. And especially as SPORT is a Barcelona based publication!