Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, well known for his writing and punditry in England, has just written a very interesting piece about British players abroad for Spanish paper AS.
While he sets up the piece as a debate, he ends up coming down pretty hard in favour of Bale of the best British player ever to play overseas. It’s hard to argue with the trophies: Bale has two Champions Leagues in three years at Madrid.
As for the performances? Well Bale has scored in both of those finals (one a penalty, admittedly), and has now begun to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo so consistent and excellent is his play week to week.
In the end, the reason Balague plumps for Bale over Ince, Beckham, Owen and so forth, is that Bale has truly made himself at home in Madrid. He hasn’t just come for a few seasons like many other English players. He has settled in for the long haul, and is reaping the rewards.