Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos Given Low Mid-Term Ratings by Marca

One of Spain's most prominent media outlets has awarded a handful of Real Madrid stars rather unflattering ratings approaching the first half of the 2015-16 season, with Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos in the line of fire.

Madrid-based newspaper Marca graded winger Bale four out of 10 for his performances this term. Rodriguez and Kroos were handed identical marks for their part in failing to spur Los Blancos into form this season.

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Karim Benzema fared better in the rankings, boasting a grade of six out of 10 and earning his mantle as "the most effective member of the BBC right now." The Frenchman has scored eight goals in nine La Liga starts this season.

Bale has scored four and assisted five. However, while Marca gifted Benzema a reprieve and pointed out "he has not played regularly," Bale is critiqued more harshly for his figures. The report read: "He has not made the difference, nor has he featured or delivered consistently."

It has previously been mooted that Bale's relationship with the media is something of an unsteady one due in large part to the Welshman's language barrier.

While it may be true injuries have prevented the former Tottenham Hotspur ace from reaching his best in the last season-and-a-half, BBC Sport's Andy West has hinted manager Rafa Benitez isn't utilising the winger correctly:

Mega-money Rodriguez is another who has been sidelined for much of the campaign, managing just seven La Liga appearances, during which he's scored a respectable three goals and managed one assist.

Marca stated the €80 million investment "cannot seem to settle under Benitez," and yet the injuries Rodriguez has endured surely mean settling would be a disruption for any player under a new coach. Talk of a "rocky relationship" with the manager is touched upon, although Benitez has previously stated he has "no problem" with Rodriguez, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

"

When we analyse things we should not forget [James] has been out 55 days injured. There is no problem. When he plays more, trains more, he will be closer to the best James that we all want to see.

James has my backing and full confidence. This is Real Madrid, where players must compete to the maximum, and nothing else. James is an excellent player. I want them all to play very well in all games, if not another teammate will play, no problem with that. I would be delighted to see James scoring lots of goals, making assists, every weekend.

"

Of the players mentioned, Kroos has enjoyed the greatest extended run at the Bernabeu this season, starting in 17 of his 18 appearances before being benched for Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Villarreal, where he failed to feature.

The newspaper acknowledged the German was a different fiend under Benitez's predecessor and the man who signed him, Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Kroos' compatriot and ex-Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster insisted the blame lands on Benitez (h/t Marca):

"Benítez has thrown Kroos under the bus. ... Ancelotti knew how to position his players."

Luka Modric doesn't come out of the rankings much better and claimed only five out of 10, according to Marca. However, it seems odd to detail Kroos as "off his game" while simultaneously admitting the formation doesn't fit his approach.

David Cartlidge of beIN Sports is another to insist Benitez's usage of the Germany international is the reason behind any drop in standards. After all, the difference between the Kroos under Ancelotti and the Kroos under Benitez is clear to see:

It's hardly a coincidence that Benitez's tactics and personality appear in discussing the form of all three players awarded a lowly four out of 10, with Bale, Rodriguez and Kroos all subpar this season.

Of course the players may be encouraged to improve in their duties after seeing such comments, but there's only so much the trio can do in surroundings that appear to be working against their strengths.