Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two best players in world football, but Gareth Bale is the heir to the throne. There is no doubt he can be the best player on the planet in five years’ time. What Bale has achieved in his first  season at Real Madrid is nothing short of sensational. To go to a new club, a new country and an entirely new culture and perform as he has done is remarkable. He was not at his best on Saturday night but big players change games and that’s exactly what he’s done. He scored a wonder goal to win the Copa del Rey last month and made the crucial  breakthrough in extra time in the  Champions League.
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Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo and Barcelona rival are undoubtedly the two best players in the world, but the Welshman is next in line
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In five years' time there is no doubt he can be the best
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The former Spurs winger has been sensational in his first season in Spain
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Bale scored the winner in the Copa del Rey and the crucial goal in the 4-1 victory over Atletico Madrid as Real won the Champions League
The cap fits: Bale has proved he can match @placeholder's backwards baseball cap look off the pitch
Crowded out: Both Ronaldo (above) and @placeholder (below) possess the ability to fire off shots even in the busiest of penalty areas