Can Bale step out of Ronaldo’s shadow at Real Madrid?

After five years at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale finally has a chance to become the club’s main man this season.

Bale has won four Champions League titles and La Liga during his time in Spain. He’s scored arguably the best Champions League Final goal of all time. There have been 70 league in 126 La Liga appearances too.

However, he’s always played second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo. Now that the Portuguese icon has left for Juventus, Bale has the chance to really make his mark.

Madrid are still 2/1 to sign Eden Hazard as a Ronaldo replacement, while Neymar is out at 13/8. But it’s going to be hard to get either deal done. And they could already have the ideal man in Bale.

He’s a very similar player to Ronaldo. Both can score bucketfuls of goals after cutting in from the wing. And they’re just as capable as playing up front too.

With Karim Benzema creating space for Bale, instead of Ronaldo, this could be the Welshman’s best season at the Bernabeu yet.

He’s also got the chance to start afresh under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Zinedine Zidane tended to leave Bale out in the big games. Playing Bale and Ronaldo could leave the team open defensively.

Lopetegui doesn’t have that dilemma. Bale should get the nod whenever he’s fit now.

If he can steer clear of injury, the former Spurs star is set for a huge season ahead.

Click here for the latest La Liga odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication