Gareth Bale's first start for LAFC turned into a nightmare as his team were thrashed and he came in for strong personal criticism.
Bale was accused of being '"way off the pace" and "not caring" by pundits after a sluggish outing against Austin FC saw the game largely pass him by.
The Welshman was taken off after 60 minutes with his side 4-0 down. The game finished 4-1 and Bale had just two shots and completed 80 percent of his passes while on the pitch.
ESPN co-commentator Stewart Robson was scathing in his assessment, saying the decision to start Bale had "backfired".
He added: “He just didn’t work hard enough. He was way off the pace and couldn’t affect the game at all. He looked like he had a real lack of energy, which will be a worry going forward."
Former England international Alan Hinton, who forged a successful career as a player and coach in the US, weighed in, saying: "Watching LAFC and Gareth Bale starts for first time since he arrived in LA. He will not want to know until Wales are out of World Cup. Lots of talent but strange at times, just be a player I say.
"Bale subbed after a nightmare. He hardly touched the ball. I suspect he does not care. Players control the game today, that’s good and bad."
Bale had enjoyed a relatively bright start to his career in the US, scoring twice in five substitute appearances, but his status in the game means his every performance will be scrutinised more than most.
LAFC have already qualified for the end of season play-offs and have seven games left of the regular season.
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