Dani Ceballos gives honest verdict on why Gareth Bale is struggling at Tottenham

Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos believes Gareth Bale may be finding it difficult to readjust to the physical nature of the Premier League.

The Tottenham forward made an emotional return to his former club on a season-long loan from Real Madrid over the summer.

But he has struggled to make anything like the impact he did in his first spell at Spurs, appearing in just four Premier League games so far and scoring only once.

Ceballos played with Bale in Spain, and in an interview with EFE he gave his verdict on the player's problems.

"When Bale was here seven years ago the league was completely different," Ceballos said.

"Thomas Partey & Fabinho for instance, they knew the Premier League was a very physical league, but when you start to play you realize its twice as physical.

"It is difficult to adapt quickly. Maybe that's what's happening to Gareth."

Ceballos himself is in the second year of a loan from Madrid to Arsenal, but has played a much more prominent role than Bale, making 16 Premier League appearances so far this season.

And he has not given up hope of one day making his mark at Los Blancos.

"They don't have to tell me anything," he added.

"At Real Madrid, I needed to know that I would have equal opportunities. I was obsessed with playing again.

"I wasn't getting minutes, but I realised it was best to work and reverse the situation and be important [with another club].

"If I do this [go on loan], I'll play again. It couldn't have been any clearer."

It is currently not certain whether or not Bale will be extending his stay at Spurs beyond the current season.

But for now the 31-year-old's immediate priority will no doubt be simply to break into Jose Mourinho's team.

He may be given a rare opportunity to shine when Spurs take on Championship side Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday.

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