Gareth Bale explained that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid departure has helped his turn around his form by playing on the left.

The Welshman largely played on the right during the years he shared with Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, but the winger’s summer transfer to Juventus means Bale can now play in a "comfortable position".

Santiago Solari, Real Madrid manager, started Bale on the left of an attacking midfield in the European champions’ Club World Cup semi-final against Kashima Antlers, where he scored all three goals in Madrid’s 3-1 win.

Bale established an effective partnership with Brazilian left-back Marcelo as Real Madrid booked their place in the final against Al Ain.

"Throughout my [early] career, I played from the left wing," Bale said. "I'm comfortable playing in that position.

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"But I can play on the right, on the left or in the centre. I will play wherever the coach needs me to."

"It's great to score, but the most important thing is to help the team and reach the final.”

The 29-year-old has scored 10 goals in 21 matches in all competitions during a productive start to the season despite Real Madrid’s early slump.

Real Madrid have recovered from their poor start to La Liga and qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners. Winning the Club World Cup would cap the turnaround since Julen Lopetegui was sacked in October and Bale is looking forward to the chance of lifting another trophy.

"It's an important victory,” he said. “We knew that it would be a difficult game against a team that's going to make it difficult for us. We just had to be professional and get the victory and get to the final.