Scott Parker has labelled Gareth Bale as ‘special’ talent ahead of Tottenham’s showdown with Fulham today, as he told his pre-match press conference.
The Fulham boss, who played alongside Bale during his days as in North London, also heaped praise on another three Spurs players, Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele.
All four players will be expected to start for Tottenham today, who are hoping to increase their chances of a Champions League finish by beating their London rivals.
It’s Fulham’s bad luck that for most of the season, Bale has perhaps been underused in the Premier League, but in their quest to pick up points in their relegation battle, the spark in his game is beginning to light up just as they clash.
Parker was asked how he is going to deal with Tottenham’s threat, especially a certain rejuvenated and firing, Bale.
“Every week in this division you come up against individual players that have a special quality at any given moment can win football matches,” said Parker.
“Of course, Gareth (Bale) fits right into that bracket. I played with him. I know too well his quality.
“But as quick as you are looking at Gareth Bale, you are then also turning your attention to Harry Kane, Son, Ndombele, so, of course, we will be prepared as well as we can.
“The information will go into the players in terms of how we can nullify Spurs as a team and a very good team they are and individuals as well.”
If the Bale that ripped Burnley up over the weekend shows up tonight then Fulham will be picking the ball up from the back of the net.
But unlike Burnley, those from Craven Cottage will be more forward-thinking than the Lancashire-based side and will put Tottenham more on the back foot.
It will be interesting to see how Spurs deal with Fulham’s attacking threat because, whilst they have the players to hurt Fulham, their opponents are also packed with attacking talent, as they proved during the reverse fixture.
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