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Summer 2013: After being humiliated in the 2012-13 Champions League semi-finals by Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona set about working their way back to the summit of European football, as both of them added huge marquee signings to their already affluent squads.
Over the course of the close season, Barcelona finally landed long-term target Neymar from Santos whilst Real Madrid smashed the world transfer fee record to bring Welsh wizard Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
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Naturally, football fans across the globe have closely followed the progress of these two superstars, celebrating their triumphs and scrutinising their failings in a way that only soccer supporters can. But how have their respective careers evolved since rocking up on Spanish shores. Here's our comprehensive rundown:
Bale’s initial impact much more positive
Both arrivals were met with massive fanfare as they were unveiled in front of thousands at their respective new homes and, perhaps inevitably, a naturally high level of expectations surrounded the two superstars from day one.
Unfortunately, both players endured difficult starts to life in Spain. Injury troubles limited Bale to just five full matches from the opening 16, whilst Neymar's start to 2013/14 was hindered by a hectic summer of action for both Santos and Brazil, for whom he starred at the Confederations Cup.
Each player improved as the season progressed, but it was Bale who really hit top gear in the second half of the campaign. The Los Blancos star's impact was easily measurable by a phenomenal winning goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, before he wrote his place in history with the Decima-winning header in the Champions League final against city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Despite commanding a world record fee, some would argue that Bale had already proved his worth: 15 goals and 12 assists in the league, along with two memorable Cup moments signalled a terrific first campaign. With every symbolic heart celebration, the Bernabeu's love for the Welshman grew. Sadly, the adulation wouldn't last.
Meanwhile, Neymar's return of nine goals and eight assists from 19 La Liga starts was steady if not spectacular. His second season at the Camp Nou would be crucial.
Physical maturity crucial to their success
Whilst Neymar and Bale each arrived in Spain as phenomenal youth talents, it is worth noting the latter is two years older than the Brazilian.
During his rise to prominence at White Hart Lane, Bale was widely praised for his obvious work on the training ground. His immense running ability, which has also been attributed to his childhood fondness for running the cross country, had become a leading quality of the Tottenham star.
By the time he reached the Spanish capital, the Welshman was already a fine physical specimen. Conversely, Neymar was still very much a boy. Perhaps then, we shouldn't be surprised that the Welshman enjoyed the better start to life in Spain.
However, despite enjoying a relatively successful maiden campaign, Neymar made huge efforts to bulk up following his World Cup injury last summer and he has certainly reaped the benefits this term. The stronger, more explosive Brazilian has doubled his Liga scoring tally this term, underlining just how important physical attributes are in the modern game.
Football fans had marvelled at Neymar's technical skills years before his arrival at the Camp Nou. Now cutting a manly figure, he appears set to cement his place as one of this generation's greats.
Comparing Bale and Neymar’s performances as part of BBC and MSN
Football is a team sport and consequently top players can only be judged true successes if they form fearsome partnerships with their fellow stars. Naturally, the battle between world football's two greatest attacking trios is central to the analysis of Bale and Neymar's respective trajectories since arriving in Spain.
Last season, it became abundantly clear that the Real Madrid trio of Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo was phenomenal. Between them, the affectionally named BBC notched an incredible 97 goals en route to winning the Copa del Rey and unprecedented 10th European Cup.
Conversely, former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino never really arrived at a confirmed front three with Pedro, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and Cristian Tello all taking turns to supplement star man Lionel Messi. Ultimately, that rotation cost the Catalan club, and their manager dearly as they finished the campaign with only a Spanish Supercup in the trophy cabinet.
Fast-forward to 2014/15 and the situation has provided a complete role reversal as Real's BBC have struggled whilst Barcelona's new look front three have dominated every defence they have faced.
Last summer's signing of Luis Suarez has completely galvanised the Barca attack and there is absolutely no coincidence that the club's incredible form in 2015 has run in conjunction with the former Liverpool man's settling.
The Barcelona attack has already notched over 110 goals in all competitions this year, which is made all the more impressive considering Suarez's suspension and Neymar's World Cup injury. Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian has easily outscored the Welshman this term.
Whilst the cohesive unit of Barcelona continues to shine, Real's disjointed front three are really suffering. An injury to Benzema has played a part but the bigger concern seems to be the fact that they haven’t linked up with the same fluidity as last season, and it shows in their results.
Despite being the poster boy of Brazilian football, Neymar appears happy to play second fiddle to Messi at the Camp Nou. Conversely, Bale and Ronaldo's synchronisation this season hasn't been up to the mark, with both of them occasionally having shown a reluctance to pass to the other.
As part of an attacking trio, Neymar's career has taken a huge upward turn over the past two seasons. In stark contrast, Bale has gone from being a key component of the world's best frontline to becoming the Blancos’ scapegoat.
Neymar has gone from strength-to-strength while Bale has regressed
The trajectories of these two world stars are almost polar opposites. Whilst Bale easily looked the more complete star in 2013/14, it's Neymar who has taken the crown this season.
However, as was the case with some of the negativity aimed at Neymar last season, not all of the criticisms directed at Bale are justified and there is a real sense that the unsettled scenes in Madrid have amplified the hatred.
It's worth noting, though, that the Welshman's record isn't much worse than Premier League Player of the Year Eden Hazard. Nonetheless, Neymar and Barcelona are looking like the long-term successes, with them in-line for a treble, having already clinched the La Liga title.
Individually and collectively, it's 1-1 when comparing the seasonal impact of these two superstars and next season could be pivotal to deciphering which of the 2013 summer headline makers is best. Sadly, it looks increasingly likely that the Welshman won't get the chance to prove his worth in 2015/16.
Despite boasting relatively comparable statistics, these two are currently held in completely contrasting lights, even by their own fans. It's a funny old game.
