Former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has backed Gareth Bale to become more of a creative force for Spurs this season even though he isn’t as fast as he once was.
Bale was renowned for his pace in his first stint at Tottenham and the Welshman loves nothing more than running at the opposition defence.
He is, however, not as fast anymore as injuries have taken their toll on him.
Hoddle believes that the 31-year-old has a fine passing range that can also be helpful to the team if used well.
He claimed that while Bale isn’t as fast as he was Jose Mourinho can adapt his tactics to take advantage of the player’s other attributes.
He backed Bale to be able to create a lot of goals for Harry Kane in the way that Kane provided four assists for Son Heung-Min against Southampton in the Premier League this season.
‘Mourinho might go to three at the back… and ensure his team are dangerous on the counter. Gareth might not be that box-to-box player he was five or six years ago, when he was all about using his pace,’ Hoddle said in a podcast via Mail Online.
‘Now, he might be as much a creator if he’s played deeper or drops deeper, much the way Harry Kane did when he provided all four goals for Son (Heung-min) at Southampton recently. I can see Bale doing that for Kane.
‘I think Bale has the sensational ability to pass, he’s not just a ‘runner’ at defenders, I can see him as the creator maybe the team are lacking. Gareth’s always been one that has got that ability to pass the ball as well, he can play with his head up.’
Bale will likely make his first start for the club against West Ham this weekend.
Bale’s going to have these carrrnts over at the Olympic Squat…. BAM BAM game over mate! 😂