“Some of the things he does would have Ronaldo blush” - When Michael Dawson claimed ex-Spurs star is like Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson once likened Gareth Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He hailed the Welshman's abilities and labeled him one of the best in the world.
Tottenham hosted rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby at White Hart Lane in the Premier League in March 2013. Bale opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Aaron Lennon made it 2-0 two minutes later. Per Mertesacker got one goal back in the 51st minute but Spurs held on to win.
After the game, Dawson likened Gareth Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, saying (via Daily Mail):
"Gaz is up there with Ronaldo and Messi in terms of ability - he’s one of the best players in the world at the moment, and probably the best in the world for me right now.
"Some of the things he does would have Ronaldo blush. His goal this season against Norwich where he picked the ball up in his own half and dribbled past all those players before having the calm and composure to put in the bottom corner... He’s been brilliant and credit to him."
Gareth Bale's 2012-13 season was one of the best individual seasons in the Premier League. He scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 33 games across competitions. He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the PFA Young Player of the Year awards.
Bale eventually joined Real Madrid that summer for a reported fee of €101 million and went on to become a club legend.
Gareth Bale's hilarious response when asked to 'Start, Sell, Bench' between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and himself
In an interview earlier this year, Gareth Bale was asked to pick between Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and himself to start, sell, or bench. He jokingly responded:
“Sell Messi because I’ll get most money for myself. I’m retired & not in shape so bench, I’ll start Ronaldo.”
Gareth Bale shared the pitch 157 times with Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Real Madrid, combining for 41 goals. They also faced off six times during the Welshman's time at Tottenham and at international level, with Ronaldo winning all six matches.
On the other hand, Bale faced Lionel Messi 15 times, winning three times, drawing three times, and losing nine times. The former Wales captain announced his retirement in January 2023.
