Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has chosen his favorite player between Gareth Bale and Neymar.
Both Bale and Neymar burst onto the big stages in the first half of the previous decade. The then youngsters were considered by many fans as prodigies who could carry on the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Following in the footsteps of the two soccer masters, Neymar signed for Barcelona to play with Messi while Bale joined Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Over the years, both players have appeared on different occasions but neither has managed to dominate world football. Neymar has a better track record when it comes to club football, while Bale has had a bigger impact on his national team’s fortunes.
Asked to choose between the two on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Gareth Bale’s former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Defoe said:
“Bias or whatever, I say Gareth because… it’s difficult. I played with Gareth, I’m sorry for what he did in such a short time in UCL.” [UEFA Champions League] It was amazing and the reason why I say Gareth is unique.”
Speaking of Neymar, the former England striker said:
“I love Neymar, the skills and things like that, but when I say unique, physically there weren’t many players who could do that. He [Bale] I used to take the ball, hit it between people and just run. When you talk about the modern game, that explosiveness was incredible.
“But I also love Neymar, Neymar would do things like shoot the ball up and you’d say ‘Wow’, but Gareth is so explosive it’s incredible that he could do that.”
Speaking of his national teams, he said:
“He used to run the whole length of the pitch. Also, Neymar plays for Brazil and Gareth played for Wales and what he’s done for Wales.”
Neymar and Gareth Bale have never won the Ballon d’Or despite enjoying great careers
Both Neymar Jr. and Gareth Bale had the ability to be the best player in the world in their day. However, a lack of consistency in proving themselves over an entire season has led them to fade from the top stage. It’s also part of the reason neither player has ever won a Ballon d’Or.
However, his career stats make for incredible reading. Throughout his career at the club, Neymar has recorded 292 goals and 187 assists in 470 appearances. He, too, has registered 77 goals in 124 appearances for Brazil.
Gareth Bale, meanwhile, registered 186 goals and 137 assists in 554 club games, while netting 40 times in 111 appearances for Wales.