Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has claimed that the Welshman is struggling at Real Madrid because his teammates are not passing to him.

The 25-year-old came under heavy criticism last week for his performance against Juventus, with Roy Keane stating that Real looked as though they had 10 men with Bale on the pitch.

Barnett has defended his client, speaking with The Telegraph, suggesting that the player is not receiving enough of the ball to make a significant contribution.

"We've been vindicated by these statistics and it's what we've been saying all along," Barnett said. "It proves that people don't know what they're talking about when they criticise Gareth, they are not looking at it properly.

"Real have to work with Gareth and pass the ball to him more. Give him more of the ball and let him show everybody what he's good at.

"He's going to be the best player at Real Madrid when his teammates work with him and help him. Hopefully Real will come to terms with this."

Bale's difficult second season with Real has seen him linked with Manchester United, among other Premier League clubs.