6 crucial players for Real Madrid this season

1. Gareth Bale

Real Madrid CF v Getafe CF - La Liga

The onus is on the Welshman to produce the kind of performances that Cristiano Ronaldo used to produce in the Madrid jersey. Real Madrid are used to having a Galactico, a prolific and talented goal-scorer who shoulders the expectations of the fans.

Gareth Bale is the frontrunner for taking the role of poster-boy for Real Madrid, a task he is undoubtedly capable of.

Bale joined Madrid back in 2013 for a world record fee after impressing for Tottenham. Since then, it has not been smooth sailing for the Welshman as trouble with injury, inconsistency and unrealistically high expectations created by the media has seen Bale go under the radar.

However, his tally of 16 league goals in just 26 games in an injury-plagued season adds weight to the fact that at his best, Gareth Bale is a force to be reckoned with.

Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga

If Bale struggles with the same issues that have plagued him in the past few years, it is hard to see Real Madrid win a major trophy this year, especially if they fail to sign a replacement for Ronaldo in the last few days of the transfer window.

On the other hand, if Bale does end up filling in for Ronaldo when he is most required and racks up the goals, there is no telling how far Real Madrid can go.