Andros Townsend told talkSPORT that Gareth Bale is ‘not the same’ player anymore after locking horns against the Tottenham player earlier this month.
For large parts of the season, Bale has struggled to get going, but when Crystal Palace came to town, the Tottenham speedster put four past Roy Hodgson’s men.
Townsend would have seen first hand, pre-Real Madrid Bale and the one that used to destroy everything in his way.
Well, after years of injuries and inactivity, Townsend shared what Bale is now like as a player after competing against him.
“Unfortunately, for us, he was on fire,” said Townsend. “He’s not the same, Gareth Bale.
“He’s not the Bale we remember who went to Real Madrid and he was explosive. And just literally knocking you running.
“He’s a different Gareth Bale. He’s a smart, Gareth Bale. He’s technical. He comes inside more, switches the ball, he likes to get into the pockets and play one-twos.
“So, yes it’s a completely different, Gareth Bale. But as we have seen during the past five or six games, he is still a top-quality player and one that needs to be watched carefully.”
The key for Tottenham is that Bale now steps up during crucial moments of the season and helps them over that line.
The most notable games will be in the Europa League and the League Cup final against Manchester City.
Bale has a great history in finals and conjuring up some of that magic once more will do Spurs the world of good.
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