Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live (9:13pm, November 1, 2020) that Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale is no longer a world-class player.
The former Chelsea and Celtic striker, who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport, believes that Bale used to be a world-class footballer, but he is not anymore.
The Englishman made the comments following Bale’s winning goal in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
It was the Welshman’s first goal for Spurs since his return to the North London club on a loan deal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2020.
Sutton said about Bale on BBC Radio 5 Live (9:13pm, November 1, 2020): “He is not world class anymore. He was world class, he is not anymore.”
Does Chris Sutton have a point?
If one were to consider Bale’s performances since the start of last season, then one would have to say that the Wales international winger is not world class at the moment.
The 31-year-old could not get into the Madrid starting lineup and also had injury problems.
According to WhoScored, the winger made 12 starts and four substitute appearances in La Liga and played 117 minutes in the Champions League for Madrid last season.
However, given what Bale has achieved in his career and his quality, there is no doubt that he is a superb footballer who needs a run of games to get back to his old form.
Tottenham are a better team with Bale in it, and the winger will play a big role in Jose Mourinho’s side’s quest to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
After all, form is temporary, class is permanent.
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