5 games that defined careers of modern day greats
A footballer’s life is not easy. After numerous hours of painful training sessions and discouraging failures, they get few chances where they have to make a mark on the game so as to become an established name in the footballing fraternity. While they do not lack potential, the right time, right form and one successful game is what they need to shoot themselves into the limelight.
A jaw-dropping display is what turns them into a star from just another young aspirant. One moment of pure magic, one match of absolutely stunning display of their potential makes them a wanted man.
In this segment, we bring to you games which helped define the career of players in the over the course of the last 2 decades.
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Inter Milan – UEFA Champions League (20/10/2010)
Gareth Bale was an exciting prospect when he was signed by the ambitious Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2007. The youngster had impressed with his performances at left-back for the Saints and Spurs had to beat competition from the likes of Manchester United to acquire his services.
However, it was in the 2010-11 season that Bale truly evolved into a world class attacking threat. Initially deployed as a left-back, the Welshman was moved to left-wing to accommodate Benoit Assou-Ekotto and the decision would prove detrimental to the credentials of one particular Brazilian legend, Maicon.
In their group tie against Inter Milan, Spurs had their goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes sent off for a professional foul in the 10th minute and were already down by four goals in the 35th minute. While others would have tried to contain the damage, Bale decided to take matters into in his own hand and it was one of the most brilliant individual performances of the UEFA Champions League.
His first two goals were the result of his incredible pace as he left the Inter defenders on their heels and slotted home at the far post. For the third goal, he beat the Inter goalkeeper with a powerful shot.
While his side did not win the game, it truly propelled Bale into the spotlight and there was no looking back thereafter. The once talented kid from Cardiff now forms one of the most lethal partnerships in the game of football alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.