Maldini: Bale defence is poor

Legendary defender Paolo Maldini is unconvinced that Gareth Bale will make a good full-back.

Bale is considered one of the most exciting wingers in world football but his club manager, Harry Redknapp, believes the player’s future lies at left-back.

However, AC Milan hero Maldini thinks the Welshman is suspect defensively and that he is not as rounded a player as Real Madrid’s Marcelo.

“Most left-backs now are converted midfielders, much more likely to attack,” the former Italian international told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“The rule is: if you cannot get back, you must not go forward. The current best specialist is Marcelo, who gets it right in both areas.”

“Bale (has been) unmasked: (he) knows only how to attack. Just like (Milan’s Urby) Emanuelson.”

Milan are still searching for a worthy successor to Maldini, who does not believe that Taye Taiwo is the heir to his throne.

The Italian side allegedly beat off competition from Real Madrid to land the Nigerian on a free transfer from Marseille in the close season.

However, he is already being linked with a move away from San Siro after making just two appearances in Serie A this season and Maldini feels that Milan did not do their homework on the defender.

“The Nigerian should have been better evaluated before taking him,” he said.

Maldini spent his entire 24-year career at San Siro, making 647 appearances for Milan before eventually retiring two years ago.