Bale Still Got To Prove It At Spurs.

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Article by e-Spurs Writer ginolasleftfoot (UK)

With the papers stuffed to the brim with the circling harbingers of misfortune predicting the imminent sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, does he still have anything to prove at Spurs?

The arcs of Bale’s rise to stardom and that of Tottenham’s pursuit of elite football have never really been aligned since his emergence to the first team. Under Redknapp, his transition from marauding left-back to left-winger came as Spurs enjoyed the pinnacle of recent competitive football in their swashbuckling adventure (in which Bale featured, dramatically) in the Champions League, crossing swords with Inter Milan, FC Twente, Werder Bremen and later Real Madrid.

Continuing under Redknapp, tentative experimentation began with Bale occupying a freer role through the middle, behind the forward. The statistics of nine goals in 36 Premiership appearances do not stand out, though his ten assists stood up in the player standings. With Van der Vaart the natural ‘hole’ player during the course of the season, much of Bale’s movement was based around coming inside off the left wing. His development into the player who occupies today’s headlines, was still forming during that season and with the exit of Van der Vaart and Modric at the close of the 2011/2012 season coupled with Andre Villas Boas appointment would herald Bale to be given licence to drive through the centre of the pitch as opposed to the ‘cutting in’ of previous form.

It is well marked in the media the healthy relationship Villas Boas and Bale have and much should be made of the Portuguese tactical and motivational methods that have allowed Bale to prosper. The player himself has maximised his opportunity with a level of professionalism off the pitch that sets him apart from others, and performances levels on the pitch that have been utterly magical. In the NBA, Bale would be called a ‘clutch player’. Seconds out, possessions yours, a must win moment, who’s your man? Bale definitely fits that bill.

Much has been made of Tottenham’s failure to once again secure fourth spot, as it allows the allure of the Champions League to be brandished before the eyes of prospective signings by the swarthy few lucky enough to have such an amulet in their grasp. In defence of Villas Boas’ team, their achievements were in spite of the dismal contribution of Defoe and Adebayor on the goal front, long term injuries to Younes Kaboul and Sandro and the transition of goalkeepers from the uber reliable Brad Friedel to the French captain Hugo Lloris.

With the acquisitions of Paulinho, Chadli, Holtby (at the start of January) and the possible addition of Roberto Soldado, Tottenham have added quality to the first team squad that; when combined with the return of Sandro and Kaboul makes them capable of competing with the top four. Instead of the burden of goals being laid at Bale’s feet, the team seem set up to produce more goals from all areas.

 

The player who currently symbolises the classic Real Madrid galactico player, Cristiano Ronaldo, spent his time at Manchester United crafting his role, notably his aerial ability, against the likes of Martin Keown, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

 

The mark of a true goal scorer is surely to win these battles each season. As of yet, Bale’s electrifying performances have only been experienced for one full run by the Premiership opposition, and their reactions on how to manage Bale this season will be at the forefront of all coaches thinking; one can imagine Benitez mulling over ways to curtail Bale’s effectiveness if he had of remained at the Chelsea helm. The litmus test would be if Bale ended the 2013/2014 with figures comparable to those recently achieved.

 

One note of caution regarding Bale’s services is that other than Real Madrid, no other club truly signalled their intent with any bid. Should Bale develop his weaker attributes over the course of the season (his right foot and heading ability needs improving if he is to be considered world class), who knows what teams may look to him as a component to improve their team. Infact, the absence of other competitors for the signature of Bale is curious to say the least.

 

Bale has the opportunity to play a full season, settled, with a coach in place who understands his role and is capable of generating the performance from him that will only elevate his status to a higher level. Should he finish the season with a goal tally as equally impressive as his last haul, he will have cemented his position as one of the world’s elite players and can stand proudly as clubs queue for his signature.

If I’m honest…..

This is just one Spurs fan, asking the most exciting left sided player White Hart Lane has ever seen, for just one more season.

 

COYS

 

Follow me and watch me weep if it all goes tits up @ginolasleftfoot

 

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