Gareth Bale announces retirement

[Scandale du Jour]

Well this is weird because Suarez had the best peak out of them all.

I guess I just do not value Suarez as much as you. I do not claim to be an expert, so I'll just agree to disagree.

The important point, I think, is that Bale was world class for a while. Top 10 in the world maybe. He has been underrated lately, but it is entirely his fault.

 

[The Abusement Park]

I guess I just do not value Suarez as much as you. I do not claim to be an expert, so I'll just agree to disagree.

The important point, I think, is that Bale was world class for a while. Top 10 in the world maybe. He has been underrated lately, but it is entirely his fault.

I think he was for sure top 10 at his peak. It wasn’t very long, but his peak was electric.

I also agree that his now underrating is very much his own doing.

 

[robertmac43]

In terms of the trophy cabinet there is no British players that really beat him, all I was alluding to with my comment.

 

[The Abusement Park]

In terms of the trophy cabinet there is no British players that really beat him, all I was alluding to with my comment.

Well Giggs‘ is better than his.

 

[robertmac43]

Well Giggs‘ is better than his.

I'm a CL > Prem kind of guy. So the 5 in Bale's cabinet are of high value.

I also think from a peak perspective Bale was the better player. Giggs had a longer run though.

 

[The Abusement Park]

I'm a CL > Prem kind of guy. So the 5 in Bale's cabinet are of high value.

I also think from a peak perspective Bale was the better player. Giggs had a longer run though.

Oh Bale was certainly a better peak performer than Giggs, but Giggs trophy cabinet is monstrous. That’s really all I was getting at.

 

[bluesfan94]

I'm a CL > Prem kind of guy. So the 5 in Bale's cabinet are of high value.

I also think from a peak perspective Bale was the better player. Giggs had a longer run though.

How many of those CLs did Bale play a real part in, though?

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

How many of those CLs did Bale play a real part in, though?

2014 - starts final, scores winner
2016 - starts final, scores in shootout
2017 - doesn't start, comes on with 15 min left and RM 3-1 up already
2018 - doesn't start, comes on with half hour left and game tied, scores twice
2022 - stapled to bench

Of the 5, he played an important role in 3 finals.

But of the wider runs?

• Given that he played all of 7 minutes in the 2022 run, that's obvi a write-off.
• 2018 - impact sub (start 3, off the bench in 4)
• 2017 - starter throughout the campaign
• 2016 - starter throughout the campaign
• 2014 - starter throughout the campaign, scores 6 and assists 4.