2. Gareth Bale
The most stubborn Spurs fans will harbour resentment about Bale’s departure this summer but the Welshman deserves to be playing Champions League at one of the world’s biggest clubs. A 17-year-old Bale initially struggled at White Hart Lane after his £10m move from Southampton, making 24 appearances before finally finishing on the winning team.
But the winger came alive in Spurs’ 2010/11 Champions League campaign, catching the attention of the world with his performances home and away against holders Inter Milan, which included a stunning hat-trick at the San Siro. Bale was named player’s player of the year but it was under Andre Villas-Boas that he peaked for Spurs, finishing last season with 21 league goals – many of them stunners – and picking up every individual award going. The Wales international is now the world’s most expensive player, after Real Madrid coughed up a whopping £85m for his services.
COMMENTS