Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas believes that Gareth Bale flourishes when he is handed the "starring role" in the starting lineup.

Bale excelled for Spurs last season, putting in several match-winning performances, and Villas-Boas has insisted that Bale performs to a higher standard for Real Madrid when Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the team.

The 36-year-old told O Jogo: "Bale performs better without Ronaldo, he has a far greater role in Madrid's play when Cristiano isn't playing.

"When there are two quality players like them two in the team, they have to share the team's chances.

"At Tottenham, Bale adapted to a playing style that allowed him to have the starring role, one which made him his team's most important player. In doing so, he saw more of the ball and increased his scoring chances."

Villas-Boas was giving his first interview since being sacked as Tottenham boss earlier this month.