The agent of Gareth Bale has claimed that his client is not "far behind" Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and backed the Welshman for a Ballon d'Or challenge.
The Portuguese superstar netted a personal-best 61 goals in all competitions last term, while Bale struggled for form and occasionally found himself on the receiving end of taunts from Madrid supporters.
Although the 26-year-old's agent admits that competing against the two-time Ballon d'Or winner is not an option, Jonathan Barnett says that there is little to choose between the pair as far as Real honours go.
"In terms of achievements with the team, they're now at the same level," Barnett is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"Cristiano is Cristiano. It's not a question of competing against him. Nobody can take away what he has done.
"I don't know about what tournaments he has won but Gareth isn't too far behind. What matters most is that the team wins trophies; But he could win the Ballon d'Or."
Bale has also spearheaded Wales's Euro 2016 qualification campaign, scoring six goals as Chris Coleman's side sit on the brink of reaching their first major tournament since 1958.
Ronaldo has yet to find the net in two Liga outings so far, while Bale has netted twice.
Shane Callaghan
