Chris Coleman: 'Gareth Bale still improving his game'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 September 2016

Chris Coleman expects to see Gareth Bale step his performances up another level, claiming that the Welshman is "capable of almost anything".

Wales manager Chris Coleman has claimed that Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is still "getting better and better".

The 27-year-old enjoyed another solid season with his club side last term, scoring 19 goals and assisting a further 10 for teammates in the Spanish top flight.

Bale also impressed on the international stage at Euro 2016 when playing a key part in Wales's run to the semi-final stage and, ahead of the Dragons' opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova, Coleman has warned rivals that the Galactico still has more to offer.

"Gareth scored inside 75 seconds of Real's first game of the season, but I never get surprised by him," he told reporters. "I know he's capable of almost anything and I think Madrid are very excited about the future with 'Baleo'.

"They recognise that they've got someone who's going to be there for a while and someone who is capable of winning everything. He's getting better and better still.

"Along with that incredible ability he's got that first-class mentality as well. It's winning formula for Real Madrid and for Wales, and I think he will have another good season."

Bale scored in all three of Wales's group-stage fixtures at the European Championship finals, becoming the first player in 12 years to do so.