Gareth Bale was a true Daniel Levy signing if ever there was, Spurs have netted players with backstories before, but the Welshman arrived with more baggage than a Kardashian on holiday. Injured, elderly, and rarely seen without a generous smile across his face. The latest quotes from José via The Sun suggest a start against West Ham might be on the cards.
This season to date we’ve had 4 goals and 2 assists in all competitions. Breaking down footballers’ salary per action never does anyone any favours; suffice it to say that in no analysis could anyone credibly suggest Bale’s return has been ‘good business’. Of course, had the initial projections for the return of supporters to stadiums happened, then ENIC might have sold a bundle of merch, but let’s just stick to the football. Beyond the goals and assists, we’ve benefitted from 11 shot assists (3 of which occurred last night).
Now it might sound unkind, but looking at Gareth’s minutes played column, then Wales managed to get 98 minutes out of him in the UEFA Nations League on 15.11.2020. Spurs have squeezed over an hour out of the 31-year-old on only a handful of occasions. Is our kit the wrong colour?
I take a view that Bale would need to go absolutely berserk in his final months for us, but that’s hugely unlikely to happen – indeed – physically improbable.
As fans, we’ve had far too much interference from Levy in the markets. This summer must be all about whom Mourinho wants. If it isn’t then the Portuguese may as well follow AVB’s lead and resign mid-press conference.