Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Gareth Bale to overcome his struggles at Real Madrid.

Bale struck 22 times during his first season with the Spanish outfit and played a key role in their Champions League and Copa del Rey success.

The Welshman has netted 14 times this term, but his form has been called into question in recent weeks after going nine games without a goal in all competitions.

"His first season at Madrid was unbelievable. He could not have dreamed of doing this well. He won trophies and played fantastically well," Ferdinand, who now represents Queens Park Rangers, told Goal.com.

"His second season has not been as smooth, but that's part of football. I always think that no matter what happens, when you're a young player, the second season is always the hardest. And it's the same when you go to a new club.

"People get to know you and work out how you play, you have to adapt again. A second year is never easy, but I think he's good enough to come through this. The presence of Ronaldo is not a problem for him. They won the Champions League together last season and they were both there. I can't see this being an issue."

Bale has been linked with a move to Ferdinand's former club Manchester United at the end of the season.