Gareth Bale’s return to Tottenham Hotspur hasn’t been the fairytale story everyone had hoped it would be so far, but in recent weeks there have been signs to suggest he’s getting better.
Indeed, Bale has scored two wonderful goals in his last two Europa League outings, and he looked like an absolute menace when he came off the bench against West Ham, and if his volley against the Hammers had been an inch or two lower, we’d have been talking about one of the best goals ever.
There’s no doubt about it, Gareth Bale is looking sharper.
The Welsh winger has always had the talent in his locker somewhere, but it’s just about being able to consistently unlock that ability, while also contributing enough to the entire team effort.
Fortunately for Spurs, this is a familiar story, and it’s one they know how to handle.
Indeed, Bale’s struggles with fitness while showing glimpses of ability this season seem to interestingly mirror Tanguy Ndombele’s issues last season.
Ndombele rarely started games for Tottenham last term, and seeing him complete a full 90 was an even rarer sight, with Mourinho publicly questioning his fitness on numerous occasions, but through hard-work and good coaching, Ndombele has blossomed into a key player for Tottenham this season.
The Frenchman’s fitness has stepped up a gear, with Mourinho recently saying he’s at a physical level where he’s capable of now playing a deeper role, and that sort of transformation is what we need to see from Bale.
Of course, a 31-year-old Bale with years and years of football behind him will be harder to nurture than a 24-year-old Ndombele who was slightly off the pace, but there are signs to suggest that their issues largely come down to the same thing.
If Mourinho can give Bale the same treatment as Ndombele, the same coaching and the same regime, he could once again hit the heights that you’d expect from a two-time PFA Player of the Year winner.
Spurs have managed to get the best out of Ndombele, and now it’s time to do the same with Bale.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
