Zidane says Bale 'vital' to success

New Real boss has work cut out in reigniting team

Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid appears secure after new coach Zinedine Zidane heaped praise on the Welsh winger on Tuesday.

Bale joined Real in mid-2013 for a world record transfer fee of $101 million, but has struggled at times in the Spanish capital, battling injuries and a lack of confidence in living up to his huge contract.