Gareth Bale’s fine recent form has again drawn in the plaudits and led to rumours that one of Europe’s top sides will bid for the Welshman either in January or next summer.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has denied Bale is for sale and suggested that only Europe’s elite would be able to afford last season’s Premier League player of the year.
But if either Barcelona or Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid did come calling both the club and player would struggle to turn down the offer.
And it is at Barcelona where Bale would fit perfectly.
Pep Guardiola’s side are arguably the greatest ever club side and as a result there are very few players that could improve them, but Bale is one.
The one and only position in the Barcelona team where there is not an automatic pick is left back.
It wasn’t long ago that Harry Redknapp believed Bale would still end up as a full back, despite the success he has had playing in a more advanced position.
However, such is the way that Barcelona control games and dominate possession, their full backs are effectively wingers.
Bale rampaging down the left wing with Dani Alves on the opposite side would be as exciting as any full back combination in the world.
Currently, the European Champions tend to adopt either Eric Abidal, Maxwell or Adriano at left back. Abidal is a top quality defender but is now 32 years old and more suited to playing centre back, while Maxwell and Adriano are yet to completely establish themselves.
It is therefore the one position where the Spanish Champions are missing a top quality player.
In the past two seasons, Bale has shown that he has the technique, pace, strength, work rate and finishing ability to play for a side like Barcelona and, despite Tottenham’s great recent form, the Welshman should be ready to move in order to truly reach his potential and (more importantly) win trophies.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has repeatedly spoken of late about Tottenham’s title ambitions and he has the right to do so based on their recent performances, but realistically with the unrivalled finanical strength of Manchester City, and Manchester United’s relentless reign at the top of the English game, the best Spurs can hope for this season and the foreseeable future is third and a place in the Champions League.
Yet Gareth Bale has the qualities to play for a team that are winning league titles regularly as well as challenging in Europe’s top competitions. He is therefore one of the few players in world football who is good enough to play for Barcelona and could actually improve the world's best team.
Bale could well be the final piece of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona masterpiece.
Here’s a look at Barcelona's best XI with Bale included:
Victor Valdes
Dani Alves Gerard Pique Carles Puyol Gareth Bale
Sergio Busquets
Xavi Cesc Fabregas
Alexis Sanchez Andres Iniesta
Lionel Messi
Images from Action Images
Images from Action Images
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