Gareth Bale may have won three Champions League titles in just four short years, even scoring in the 2014 Final, but his stay at the Spanish capital has been underlined by great uncertainty.
When he scored the opener and created another as Real Madrid eased past Deportivo with a 3-0 victory in the opening match of the La Liga campaign, even so, there was an underwhelming feeling of under appreciation of the Welshman.
He may have gotten in the scoring act but at the Bernabeu, Gareth Bale is far from the main act- even in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rise of Asensio
Injury to a key player at a pivotal point of the season is viewed in every way, shape or form as rotten luck.
In very few instances does it ever prove to be a blessing in disguise; like when a late injury to Anthony Martial in the warm up against Midtjylland led to the introduction of Marcus Rashford for Manchester United.
Such was the case for Real Madrid when Marco Asensio burst into the scene at the tail end of last season following an injury to Gareth Bale. The 21-year old has hogged all the headlines since then, none more so than when he propelled the Los Blancos to victory by scoring against Barcelona in both legs of the Spanish Super Cup.
His exploits have seen him rewarded with a fresh contract although an agreement has yet to be arrived at. The rise of Marco Asensio could very well mean the end of Gareth Bale.
The Mbappe factor
Real Madrid is one of the most popular football clubs in the world so much for the success as it has been for their star studded teams.
Not the type to shy away from spending, the Blancos will stop at nothing to acquire the cream of the crop in the world of football.
Kylian Mbappe is currently the hottest property in the market and the possibility of him joining Real Madrid this summer throws Gareth Bale’s future further into the abyss.
The Welsh international may secure occasionally starts in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, but with the ever lingering prospect of having Ronaldo, Mbappe, Asensio and Isco to choose from- Bale could be reduced to a starter on the bench once the summer transfer window shuts.
Written by Brian Humphrey
Follow Brian on Twitter @brihum
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