Brad Friedel has claimed that his former Tottenham teammate Gareth Bale has left a fantastic legacy in football, one that is 'just below' the standards of superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo have a record twelve Ballon d'Or's between them, so to even be considered amongst them as a great of the game is impressive. Although Bale hasn't been able to win the prestigious award himself, he's regarded as one of the greatest wingers of his generation and one of the best Welsh players of all time.
With three La Liga titles, five Champions League wins and three Club World Cup victories to his name, Bale is one of the most coveted British footballers to date. Friedel thinks that's enough to solidify his place amongst the all-time greats.
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"In terms of his legacy in the game, I think Gareth Bale is just below Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Online Casino. "I certainly never played with any player as good as Bale. His power, pace and technical ability was honestly something to behold.
"When you look at Ronaldo and Messi, they've levels above everyone else, but you'd have to put Bale on the pedestal below them in terms of his ability."
Although Bale scored against the USA in Wales' World Cup opener last Monday, The Dragons are in a difficult position in Group B after losing to Iran on Friday. Victory against England gives them a chance but it still might not be enough to secure qualification to the Round of 16.
Bale will be hoping to have an impact on the game as he leads his country out for what could be the final time of his career if he considers international retirement after the tournament.
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