‘Just kick it!’ – US players told to target Los Angeles teammate Garth Bale with MLS stars weary of Wales captain

Gareth Bale’s colleague at Los Angeles FC, Kellyn Acosta, has told his USA team-mates that they will have to “literally start kicking” the Wales superstar.

Wales and the United States have been drawn in Group B of the World Cup along with England and Iran, and will face each other in their opener on Monday.

A common thread between the two teams is either team’s most recognizable player, with Wales captain Bale moving to California to join LAFC in June.

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham striker continued his winning streak by lifting the MLS Cup just months into his career in Los Angeles, showing the United States exactly what they will face in Qatar.

One of the men Bale achieved the feat with, Acosta, got to know the five-time Champions League winner as well as anyone, and has some advice for his teammates.

“If you give a player like Gareth time and space, he will exploit you, like you saw in the MLS Cup final,” the midfielder said.

“Everyone knows who he is. He’s a super decorated guy, he’s a guy who has won everything. I had the opportunity to share the pitch with him and know his tendencies day by day.

“For us, we know that we have to limit his time and his space. He’s a very dangerous player and he’s going to be a catalyst for them.

“We literally have to start giving him a little kick on the pitch. Let him feel us.

“Let him be comfortable and he will hurt you.”

Bale will also be pitted against the most recognizable name in American football, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic.

The 24-year-old has faced Bale with the Blues and former Borussia Dortmund, and he’s tired as well.

“He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about what he’s achieved in his career,” Pulisic said.

“He played at the highest level. He knows what it takes. I’m sure he’ll be ready. Whether he’s at the absolute top of his game, it doesn’t matter.

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