Football Update: Gareth Bale wants to follow into the footsteps of Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs
Gareth Bale has recently risen to stardom after back to back stunning performances against the European Champions Inter Milan. An incredible hat-trick at the San Siro plus a dazzling display of pace, skill and vision at home against the Italian giants has made him the most talked about player at the moment. Rafael Van Der Vaart led the plaudits for him after the 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane, the dutchman said, “Everyone is scared of him (Bale). Maicon is one of the best right-backs in the world – he killed him”. His performane was so emphatic that Inter’s manager Rafael Benitez expressed his desire to sign him shortly after the match.
The 21 year old who started his career as a left back is relishing the opportunity to play in a more advanced role these days, much to the dismay of the opposing teams. His ability to get past defenders and then delivering the end product as well have made him one of the most dangerous players in the Barclays Premier League.
Some experts have already started to compare him with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Bale wants to emulate his compatriot and the most decorated player in the Premier league Ryan Giggs. Bale, who shares the same playing style as the veteran Manchester United winger, said “He is an amazing person to follow and hopefully I can come a little bit near him”.
The new crowd favourite at North London has plenty of years ahead of him and with the commitment he shows as a professional on and off the pitch, he is only going to get better and better. He is a real asset for his team and all his teammates are quite pleased to have him in their side. The team’s manager, Harry Redknapp, has also done a tremendous job at Tottenham since taking over about two years ago when the club was at the foot of the table, fighting off relegation.
Now, come to think of it, the club finds itself mixing with the elites of club football; playing in the most prestigious club competition in Europe and leading a group which consists of the defending champions. As the competition moves on, Bale is very likely to attract more admirers who would try to test the resolve of Tottenham to keep him when the transfer window reopens.
Whatever decision he makes in the future, one thing is certain that if carries on playing like this then success will surely follow him - The definition of 'success' being subjective in nature.
However, there is still a school of thought that might merely see him as an effective player – Effective, but not as pretty as a Winger, in clear footballing sense, of course. As seen against Inter, the left footer was extremely efficient at getting past Maicon but it could also be argued that his game was becoming rather one sided as he looked far more comfortable swinging in crosses rather than cutting inside and being a touch more adventurous; like a conventional wing player. Perhaps, that is the difference between an attacking full back and a proper winger. While Ryan Giggs and the former South-Hampton player share the same nationality, it would be rather naïve to compare him to Manchester United’s most faithful servant. Giggs has evolved into a playmaker rather than an out and out wide player, be it age or simply a requirement of the modern football game.
Gareth Bale, realistically, as promising as he is, has a long way to go. However, it is feared, that in his quest to be a hybrid player; namely a winger and a full back, he might end up torn between the two dimensions to such an extent that it would be difficult to field him in any 'quality' side as a high profile wing player or a no nonsense defender.
All the best Gareth Bale, may you handle looming stardom in a way no 'conventional' 21 year old would.
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