Bale won't make it at Real Madrid, says Vogts

Posted Saturday, September 14, 2013 by Goal.com

The former Germany manager believes the Welshman should not be considered a world-class player, though he paid tribute to Arsene Wenger for signing Mesut Ozil

Gareth Bale will struggle to live up to his world-record fee and succeed at Real Madrid, according to former Germany coach Berti Vogts.

The Wales international joined the Liga giants for £86 million shortly before the close of the summer transfer window, and is set to make his eagerly-anticipated debut against Villarreal this weekend.

Vogts, however, is not convinced the 24-year-old will become a hit at Santiago Bernabeu, and was shocked that last term's Liga runners-up had paid so much for him.

"Bale is not an absolute world-class player," he told Sky Sports News.

"I know him and I’m very surprised about this transfer fee. Now he has to prove himself.

"I do not think he will make it at Real Madrid.”

The current Azerbaijan boss was quick to praise Arsene Wenger, however, following Arsenal's sensational £40m deadline-day move for Mesut Ozil.

"Congratulations to Arsene Wenger," Vogts added. "Mesut Ozil is the type of player that Arsenal have been waiting for."