Gareth Bale ... compared to Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Source: AAP
Is there a better player in the Premier League than Gareth Bale?
Robin van Persie might have something to say about that question, but praise continues to pour in for Tottenham’s star after another match-winning display for Tottenham against Newcastle United on the weekend.
Comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo has become the fashionable analysis at the moment, and it’s hard to deny the similarities after he proved the decisive factor for the third game on the trot for his side.
Focus is growing on Bale’s exploits – and speculation mounting about an imminent move to Spain. Can you imagine him teaming up with Ronaldo?
But as Andre Villas-Boas tries to create a Spurs side that can challenge consistently for the top-four and beyond, the retention – or sale – of the Welsh winger will give a great indication of chairman Daniel Levy’s vision for the club. Can they use Bale as bait to tempt other world class players, rather than a tasty bit of business?
"People also move when they find other players are able to promote their own potential," Villas-Boas said after the weekend’s win. "Gareth has that effect."
His figures this season are outstanding: 13 goals in 22 appearances, 45 shots on target, with a further 50 chances created via shots or assists.
"We are fortunate to have a player of such a dimension who is helping us to win games," Villas-Boas said.
"Gareth is enjoying his football through the middle and he seems to enjoy it more than playing on the left flank, but we know he can play anywhere. There are always going to be questions about whether Tottenham can keep hold of him, but I have answered this many times. He is happy here, he is enjoying his football and we have no need to sell him.
"What I don't want is for this just to be just about Gareth because we win as a team. It was an important victory for us because it puts other teams under pressure and when you consider Newcastle's form, it shows what a great, great win this is for us."
Newcastle United’s Steven Taylor had this to say about his adversary after the weekend: "For me, Gareth Bale is a world beater. He is the complete player. It is like playing Ronaldo. He is one of a kind – he is like Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He’s one of those who can produce that bit of magic. You have to be on your toes all the time and just pray to God that he doesn’t score. "
The swashbuckling nature of his second goal had all the hallmarks of Ronaldo – but we might be going off a little too soon comparing Bale with a player who has netted 24 times in 22 games this term, including yet another hat-trick on the weekend (his 20th for Real Madrid).
With Tottenham clinging onto fourth spot, Bale’s got the stage to live up to the current hype.
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