Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said he expects Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale to change his role during his second spell with the club, while speaking on The Kelly And Wrighty show on Optus Sport.
The Welshman returned to the club where he made his name on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid last month.
Bale has been on the sidelines due to injury but there’s a good chance he could return to action this weekend against West Ham United.
Spurs fans will be beyond excited to see their star player back on the pitch. Bale could make a massive difference for Tottenham this season if he can replicate his previous form. However, Wright believes the Welshman’s role will be a lot different now.
The former Arsenal striker claims Bale will feature more up front than on the flanks. He says the Welshman will transition into a new role just like Cristiano Ronaldo did in his final years at Real Madrid.
Wright said: “With Bale watching Ronaldo managing his game in the latter stages of his time at Real (Madrid), I think that is something Bale will do at Spurs.
“I don’t expect him to be running all over the pitch. I expect him to be in the final third and see that explosiveness. We might see some free-kicks, but he will manage his game at that end of the pitch.”
Jose Mourinho will have to be very careful in his management of Bale. The Welshman is no longer the quick, young attacker he once was for Spurs. He is 31 now and has been extremely unlucky with injuries during the past few years.
A change of role for Bale is a smart idea. The Welshman can have a real impact for Tottenham as a centre-forward just like Ronaldo, who has been a number nine for club and country for a while.
However, Harry Kane’s presence makes it difficult for Mourinho to make that change. Bale will have to settle for a spot on the right flank unless the Spurs boss decides to change his system to accommodate the Englishman and Real Madrid man up front together.
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