KEY POINTS

  • Jesus Olmo claims Bale is a better athlete, ahead of Ronaldo
  • Olmo has worked with both the players at Real Madrid
  • Bale has scored 105 goals so far for Real

Former Real Madrid doctor Jesus Olmo has claimed that Gareth Bale is a “better athlete” among the Real Madrid players he had worked with including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

This is a huge statement from Olmo, considering Ronaldo, who is five years older than Bale, is still at the peak of his physical fitness at the age of 35.

Bale, who arrived at Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 for a then-world record fee, worked with Olmo for a few years before the medic left the team.

Even though Bale has still not become a favorite among the Real fans, his talent and qualities cannot be ignored. The 30-year-old forward has scored 105 goals in as many as 295 appearances for the La Liga side, across tournaments. He has won 12 titles with the club so far including four Champions League trophies.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo look set to be back in tandem when Real Madrid visit Juventus. Reuters

Bale's incredible athleticism has impressed many in the club’s staff including Olmo, who has said Bale is the best he's ever worked with.

“Possibly the best athlete I've seen is Gareth Bale. He's a natural athlete capable of excelling at practically any sport. He has unusual genetics and athletic ability, and I would say technical ability as well.

He's the one who impressed me most in all aspects, although there are performances, which come about from different circumstances,” Olmo told Ideal.

Olmo further explained that Bale plays despite having physical problems. “All athletes have their handicaps. People only see when a player is injured, but there are footballers who play when they've got physical problems,” added Olmo, indicating Bale has played despite being in pain in the past.

“A good medical team ensures that you have the minimum possible chronic problems, but the only way to overcoming them is by working hard and very well in a targeted way. That requires effort and depends a lot on the player. Nothing detracts from a high-level athlete's performance more than chronic pain. Solving a small tendon problem is the best thing you can do for a footballer,” Olmo said.