Jamie Carragher says Rafa Benitez almost signed Gareth Bale at Liverpool

Gareth Bale has scored 18 goals in 51 appearances for the Wales national team

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has made bold claims that Gareth Bale can single-handedly lead Real Madrid to European domination and has labelled the Welshman ‘world class’ in his column for Daily Mail. The Madrid playmaker guided his national side through their qualifying group to lead Wales to their first ever European Championships this weekend.

Bale has played in all of the nine qualifying games for Wales and he contributed six goals along with providing two assists. The Los Blancos star’s impressive performance during the qualifying campaign has earned him praise from Sky Sports pundit Carragher, comparing the Welsh international to British footballing legends like Kenny Dalglish, George Best, Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton.

However, the former Liverpool defender has stated that Bale is yet to have reached the heights of the aforementioned players and has insisted he can play a big part in Madrid’s future success.

“If those are the qualities by which we define greatness, Gareth Bale's claims for being included in this argument continue to get stronger all the time". Carragher wrote in his column.

“Is he good enough to take a team to European domination, just as Dalglish did? I believe he is.

“What he has helped Wales achieve is remarkable. Should he back it up with even greater displays at club level, entry to the pantheon awaits.”

The 37-year-old has admitted that Bale’s performances for his national team have been impressive and tips him to become Wale’s all-time top scorer.

“He is only 26 and, with 52 appearances and 18 goals so far, he is firmly on course to become both his country's leading scorer and cap holder; Rush (28 goals) and Southall (92 caps) currently hold those records.”

Liverpool almost signed Bale: Carragher

Jamie Carragher made 737 appearances for Liverpool

The Former Liverpool player has revealed that Rafa Benitez considered signing Bale during his tenure at Anfield. However, back then, the Merseyside club already had John Arne Riise at left-back which eventually stopped them from pursuing the Welshman.

“He (Bale) has come so far since making his way at Southampton. When he broke into their team, Rafa Benitez looked at signing him for Liverpool,” Carragher wrote for the Daily Mail.

“Bale was playing as a left back then and Rafa didn't think he was any better than John Arne Riise, so he never pursued it. Clearly the Bale that Benitez now manages is a completely different prospect.

"Bale has been a success in Madrid, his stunning solo goal against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and the header that gave Real the lead against Atletico Madrid [in the Champions League final] were both moments that only the special ones produce.”