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#2 Gareth Bale
On his arrival at Real Madrid, however, Gareth Bale lost his main player status, as the Real Madrid dressing room was replete with superstar world-class players, with Ronaldo the star of the team. Ronaldo was the player around whom Real Madrid was built over the last nine seasons and Gareth Bale, like others, had to settle for a supporting role.
The 29-year-old was signed for a then world record £86 Million in 2013, after stellar performances as the star man for Tottenham in the Premier League, which led to him winning two PFA Player of the Year, and one Young Player of the year awards.
Injuries have been unkind to the Welshman, and there were times over the last two seasons when his starting spot was lost, but we have still seen flashes of brilliance. On his day, Bale is still one of the best players in the world as evidenced by his incredible bicycle kick goal against Liverpool in last season's Champions League final.
Gareth Bale is capable of carrying a team; his displays at Tottenham and with the Welsh national team are proof of that. Even though he was part of the devastating Madrid attacking trident nicknamed the BBC, Bale's value has truly not been appreciated at the Bernabeu, with the winger admitting he has given thought to his future many times over the last few seasons.
With Ronaldo now gone, the stage is set for Gareth Bale to be the player around whom the next Real Madrid dynasty is to be built and for him to carry Los Blancos forward into glory post-Ronaldo and become a legend in the Spanish capital.
