Simply put, Gareth Bale is my favorite soccer player. Ever since he broke out in the 2010-11 season for Tottenham Hotspur, he has implemented his case as my favorite player. I know that there are other players that may have a better goal scoring record or assist record than him, but his style of play is what separates him for me. He is someone who was really integral for Spurs when he played for them.
Before Stardom
Bale signed for Spurs from Southampton in 2007 when he was 17 for a transfer fee of about 8m GBP. He was a left defender at that time, and was not necessarily an immediate hit at the club. In fact, on his first 12 appearances for the club, he did not win a single game. However, in 2010, the manager, Harry Redknapp noticed his attacking skills and decided to deploy him further up the field as a left sided midfielder. Bale broke out that season, highlighted by his Champions League performances. In the Champions League Round of 16, Spurs were drawn against Inter Milan, who were the 2009 champions and considered the best team in the world. Bale scored three goals from midfield and tore Inter Milan’s right defender, Maicon, to pieces the entire game. Using his fancy dribbling, quick footwork, and lightning pace, Bale made world headlines after that game.
Superstar
In the seasons after that match, Bale implemented himself as one the England’s best players. In the 2011-12 season, he was terrorizing defenders every weekend, making him one of the most feared players in the Premier League. After the season, he was rumored to be on his way out of Tottenham, and possibly to a bigger club. Those interested in the winger included Manchester United, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. However, Bale remained with Tottenham.
The following season, Gareth turned into a superstar. Under new manager Andre Villas Boas, he moved to a more central position on the pitch, which unlocked his goal scoring potential. He singlehandedly kept Spurs within the top five of the Premier League. He scored memorable goals against Lyon, Norwich, Arsenal, Manchester City, etc. Personally, I believe his goal against Sunderland on the final day of the season was his best one for Spurs. He cut in the from the right and unleashed unstoppable shot from for the top right corner of the goal.
Current Day
After much speculation regarding his future, Gareth went on to secure a move to Spanish giants, Real Madrid. The transfer fee, around 85m GBP, is the highest ever in the history of soccer. At Real Madrid has played well with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. Gareth Bale is forever be my favorite player.
Before Stardom
Bale signed for Spurs from Southampton in 2007 when he was 17 for a transfer fee of about 8m GBP. He was a left defender at that time, and was not necessarily an immediate hit at the club. In fact, on his first 12 appearances for the club, he did not win a single game. However, in 2010, the manager, Harry Redknapp noticed his attacking skills and decided to deploy him further up the field as a left sided midfielder. Bale broke out that season, highlighted by his Champions League performances. In the Champions League Round of 16, Spurs were drawn against Inter Milan, who were the 2009 champions and considered the best team in the world. Bale scored three goals from midfield and tore Inter Milan’s right defender, Maicon, to pieces the entire game. Using his fancy dribbling, quick footwork, and lightning pace, Bale made world headlines after that game.
Superstar
In the seasons after that match, Bale implemented himself as one the England’s best players. In the 2011-12 season, he was terrorizing defenders every weekend, making him one of the most feared players in the Premier League. After the season, he was rumored to be on his way out of Tottenham, and possibly to a bigger club. Those interested in the winger included Manchester United, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. However, Bale remained with Tottenham.
The following season, Gareth turned into a superstar. Under new manager Andre Villas Boas, he moved to a more central position on the pitch, which unlocked his goal scoring potential. He singlehandedly kept Spurs within the top five of the Premier League. He scored memorable goals against Lyon, Norwich, Arsenal, Manchester City, etc. Personally, I believe his goal against Sunderland on the final day of the season was his best one for Spurs. He cut in the from the right and unleashed unstoppable shot from for the top right corner of the goal.
Current Day
After much speculation regarding his future, Gareth went on to secure a move to Spanish giants, Real Madrid. The transfer fee, around 85m GBP, is the highest ever in the history of soccer. At Real Madrid has played well with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. Gareth Bale is forever be my favorite player.