Florentino Perez isn’t a man to readily admit defeat – however, when it comes to Gareth Bale, the Real Madrid President ought to probably concede that his world record purchase is a dud. Not many clubs can write off a cool €100 million, but Real Madrid can. In fact, if indications from the Spanish press are true, Manchester United are keen on tempting Bale back to the league where he made his name as a footballer.
The Welshman’s injury-hit career has meant that Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane can never fully trust him, as was seen in the most recent El Clasico loss to Barcelona. Los Blancos tactical plan went out of the game once Bale was injured, leaving them vulnerable. For arguably the biggest club in the world, Gareth Bale has become a liability.
Here are 6 players who could replace Bale at Real Madrid:
#6 Marco Asensio
It’s not Real Madrid’s modus operandi to promote from within, with the promotion of youngsters being anathema to the manner in which Florentino Perez operates. However, Zinedine Zidane’s aura works in the favour of a Real Madrid youngster coming through, as the Frenchman is brave enough to give them a chance and strong enough to withstand any dissenting opinions from Florentino Perez.
Marco Asensio is arguably the most likely to replace Gareth Bale from within the squad, despite the superb form of Isco. Asensio is more suited to playing on the wings, and will not necessitate a change in formation as accommodating Isco would.
The Spanish youngster has enjoyed a breakout season, and already has better numbers than Gareth Bale. The Welshman has contributed to 14 goals this season (9 goals, 5 assists), while Asensio has been involved in 13 goals (9 goals, 4 assists), but the Spaniard has scored at a better rate of a goal every 202 minutes, while also creating more chances than Bale per 90 (2 vs 1.4).
#5 Inaki Williams
Gareth Bale is synonymous with speed and if Real Madrid replace the Welshman with Inaki Williams they will not be missing the sight of Bale bursting down the right wing anytime soon. The Athletic Bilbao winger has pace to burn, often leaving opponents for dead and at the age of 22, can improve to incredible levels, under the right guidance.
Williams has been one of the best wingers in La Liga this season, being involved in 15 goals (8 assists, 7 goals) this year as Bilbao grow ever more dependent on him. Where the Spanish speedster shines is in a one-on-one situation – he’s completed a staggering 47 take-ons this year, compared to Bale's 26.
The 22-year-old also betters Bale in terms of chances created, with his 35 far outperforming Bale’s 22, even accounting for minutes played. Real Madrid would find it fairly easy to tempt Williams into leaving Bilbao, and with him being almost a like-for-like replacement, it would not require a tactical reshuffle too.
#4 Mohamed Salah
Real Madrid have previous when it comes to Mohamed Salah – while he’s not the most ‘glamourous’ of names, the Egyptian has torn apart Madrid’s defence in the UEFA Champions League previously. Salah has always had an air of inconsistency to his game, but the Egyptian has ironed out his flaws to enjoy his best ever season as a professional footballer.
The numbers do not lie – Salah has scored 17 goals and assisted 14 goals this season, being involved in a goal every 95 minutes – one of the best in Europe! Given that he’s notched up these numbers in the notoriously defensive Serie A, Salah’s achievements this season are all the more impressive.
Real Madrid would not have too much trouble tempting cash-strapped AS Roma to sell, and Salah would easily slot in on the right wing to replace Bale. The Egyptian is not a greedy player, and with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo lurking far more centrally nowadays, he would be a very shrewd signing for Real Madrid.
#3 Riyad Mahrez
![MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 12: [EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE WAS PROCESSED USING DIGITAL FILTERS] Riyad Mahrez looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Leicester City at Vicente Calderon Stadium on April 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/riyad-mahrez-looks-on-during-the-uefa-champions-league-quarter-final-picture-id668608088-800.jpg)
The list of Algerian-origin footballers at Real Madrid reads Karim Benzema and... Zinedine Zidane. Purchasing Riyad Mahrez is a good bet for that trend to continue, as while the Leicester City magician has not reached the sterling heights he set last season, Mahrez remains a very good, skillful player.
The fact that the former EPL Player of the Year could be available for a relatively modest price ought to tempt Real Madrid. Mahrez has been involved in 17 goals this season, assisting 7 goals while scoring 10 himself. In terms of successful take ons and chances created, Mahrez far outperforms Bale, when adjusting for contributions every 90 minutes.
Bringing in Mahrez would also facilitate Madrid’s overlapping from the right wing, with Dani Carvajal free to operate in the space left behind when the Algerian invariably cuts inside on his left foot. Zidane has watched his side evolve a bit of a counter-attacking streak, and Mahrez would be a perfect addition on the right wing.
#2 Eden Hazard
It’s no secret that Real Madrid have coveted Eden Hazard for quite a while – the Belgian superstar has always been on Florentino Perez’ wishlist. After a season which saw his star fall as he experienced a goal-drought, Hazard has come back spectacularly in 2016/17, ramming the words of critics down their throats.
With 16 goals and 7 assists so far this season, Hazard is experiencing one of his most productive seasons ever, as he thrives in Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation. His talent is without question, and if Real Madrid are able to tempt the Belgian trickster into leaving the Premier League, they are arguably getting an upgrade on Gareth Bale.
Hazard primarily operates as a left-wing forward, the role occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo, but he also has experience playing on the opposite wing in his younger years for Lille. Being primarily right footed, the Belgian would have to become more of a provider – a role he’s grown more accustomed to as he matures.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is probably the most hyped player in the last 5 years, but in the Frenchman’s case, the hype is very much real. Breaking out midway through AS Monaco’s season, the 18-year-old has already sent records tumbling in Ligue 1, while tormenting seasoned defenders of Juventus, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
So how incredible is he? With 25 goals and 17 assists this season, Mbappe is involved in a goal every 64 minutes – a rate even better than Lionel Messi! There’s no doubting his talent anymore – the only issue is whether the level-headed youngster will leave AS Monaco for greener pastures this summer.
Real Madrid have a trump card in securing his sale – the Frenchman’s boyhood idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe is also at a perfect age to play second fiddle to Ronaldo on the right wing. With pace to burn and incredible technique, the youngster will have no problems rotating across Real Madrid’s front line – he’s tailor-made for Los Blancos.
