4. Gareth Bale
On number four, we have a player who isn’t enjoying the best of his times at the Spanish Capital right now. Chances have been scarce for him and frequent injuries have crept in. I am of course talking about the Welsh Dragon, Gareth Bale. Bale is undoubtedly one of the best left-footed Real Madrid attackers in history.
Over the years, Bale has given us moments of absolute magic, may it be the run he made against Barcelona in a cup final to score a goal or the magical overhead kick he scored against Liverpool in the final of the Champions League. Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid legend and no amount of ‘boos’ from the Spanish fans inside the Bernabeu can change that fact.
He is a magical, gifted player. Look no more behind than his wonderful free-kick against Austria. That was a gentle reminder of his capabilities. It is just that Bale hasn’t had the best of times recently. But, that shouldn’t take away the fact that he is a fine, fine player. There was hardly anyone better than him on the right-wing during his prime.
Bale has scored a total of 106 goals and assisted 67 in his 258 official appearances for Real Madrid. His trophy cabinet includes four Champions Leagues, four Club World Cups, and two LaLigas among other titles. He has been a key contributor to Real Madrid’s three-peat of the coveted Champions League. This season too, he started if fine style. Alas, injuries and bad luck has had their say.