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#2 Gareth Bale
Perhaps no other player in the world has had as contrasting a time at Real Madrid as Welsh super-star Gareth Bale. He has managed to start only 24 games this campaign under Zidane, yet has 21 goals to his name including *that* Champions League final goal against Liverpool.
Bale's numbers for this last season? 24 goals and 4 assists in 2099 minutes of action for club and country, with a pass success rate of 82.6% and 8 'Man of the Match' awards. Pretty impressive, right? Except, it isn't. Bale had a torrid first half of the 2017-18 season, hampered by injury and inconsistency. Players like Isco, Vazquez and even young Asensio were regularly picked by Zidane, ahead of the Welshman.
"Obviously I need to be playing week-in, week-out and that hasn't been happening this season, for one reason or another. I had a five week injury at the start of the season and I've been fit ever since. I'll have to sit down in the summer and discuss it with my agent and take it from there." - Bale following his heroics against Liverpool in Kyiv.
Bale is right in demanding more playing time, and Zidane's shock departure may just help him knock down a starting spot. However, his struggles in Spain, coupled with former club Tottenham's interest is likely to see him return to England.
Manchester United could be another possible destination for the Welshman, having been long-time admirers of the winger. ESPN report United as having made Bale their No.1 target this summer, with a €100 million offer on the cards.
Bale's preference is to remain at Real Madrid, where he has a contract until 2022, but only if he gets assurances about being given a more prominent role next season.
