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#1 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Bale has the pace, physicality, attacking prowess, and finish of the current Ballon d'Or holder. He can take fabulous free-kicks, bullet headers, and first-touch shots as good, if not better, as the former Real Madrid talisman. There is no doubt the Welshman is arguably the best-placed amongst others to succeed Ronaldo at the Bernabeu.
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The new main man, Real Madrid are so desperately searching for, might just be right in front of their eyes. The man to take over from Ronaldo has hopefully been there for the past five seasons, waiting for his chance, lurking to pounce in the best moment. And now seems the perfect time for Gareth Bale to take the centre-stage.
Having scored 70 goals and given 39 assists in just 126 games, he has been a contender for the title of 'The World's Best' more often than not. His injury problems in the past have undoubtedly raised some eyebrows over his fitness but the recent consistency he has shown is a positive and relieving sign.
Whenever he has played, Bale has made a difference, at times, even rescuing Los Merengues from tasting defeat single-handedly. One of the goals that back up this claim is the one he scored against eternal rivals Barcelona in a memorable Copa Del Rey final -- pay attention -- in the absence of Ronaldo.
The Welsh Dragon has that certain 'game-changer' aura, which we have seen surround Ronaldo in big games. A testament to that very aura are the two goals, which he scored coming off the bench in the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool to secure Real Madrid's 13th Champions League and their third on the trot. The first of his two goals in the final even emulated CR7's unreal bicycle kick in the quarterfinal against Juventus.
Throughout his time in Madrid, Bale has regularly shown glimpses of why he is a natural successor to Cristiano Ronaldo at the club. Now, it is only a matter of time before this becomes clear as day.
