Michael Owen told Premier League Productions during their live coverage of Tottenham’s win against Burnley on Sunday that he is ‘very surprised’ Gareth Bale cannot complete 90 minutes of football.
After months and months of frustration and tough love from Jose Mourinho, the Tottenham faithful are now starting to feel nostalgic as Bale rolls back the years.
It may not be the Bale that was sending an away end into party mode when he scored a late winner at Upton Park many years ago, but it’s a glimpse of that long-shot specialist.
Bale showcased his old self over the weekend when he netted a brace – his second in as many games – during Tottenham’s 4-1 win against Crystal Palace.
But since Bale has donned the colours of Spurs once again, he has only completed 90 minutes on one occasion, and that came against Wycombe in the FA Cup.
Former Premier League striker, Owen, labelled the four-time Champions League winner as one of the ‘fittest’ and ‘strongest’ players, but couldn’t understand why he cannot complete 90 minutes.
“He’s one of the fittest and strongest,” said Owen. “What a great athlete he is. If you type some things into a computer and say ‘bring out a football player’ then that’s exactly what comes out.
“Someone with his height, how lean, fast and the stride he has got. I mean he is just the perfect shape for a footballer.
“He’s fit, he’s in the prime of his career. I am very surprised he cannot play 90 minutes. He has hardly played this season. He’s got loads of energy.
“These managers will tell you they need rest when they don’t really. They rotate – it suits whatever narrative they want to play on the day.”
Tottenham fans won’t care one jot whether Bale is still on the pitch to see the fourth official put up his board for stoppage time or not because if he is putting the ball in the back of the net then he’s doing enough.
That’s flowing, at the minute, and with Tottenham’s Europa League knockout game coming up, including a certain North London showdown, then he’s timing his return to form and fitness pretty perfectly.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
