John Hartson told talkSPORT that Tottenham forward Gareth Bale ‘stands still a lot’ like Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Whilst Tottenham fans haven’t seen the Bale of old since his return to North London, as pointed out by Hartson, there has been the ‘odd magical moment’.
The Tottenham technician is currently on international duty with Wales and, after starting his country’s defeat to Belgium on Wednesday, he came off the bench during their friendly encounter against Mexico over the weekend.
Former Wales striker Hartson shared his thoughts on Bale and the type of player he has become.
“I think he’s somewhat producing the odd magical moment,” said Hartson. “He’s lasting longer in games.
“When he gets the ball, and I know he gets a bit of criticism maybe for not tracking back and not being seen to run around a lot.
“But I think a lot of top players are like that. Lionel Messi, you watch Messi play, he seems to stand still a lot.
“Then when it comes into him or he wants to do something to make a difference, he will run into a bit of space and always make something happen when he has the ball because they have the ability to do that.
“And Gareth’s that type of player. Bale’s game, generally, is about pace. I know he has a wand of a left-foot, a wonderful crosser of the ball and he can shoot from anywhere. But his pace can frighten players.”
Tottenham fans won’t care one jot if Bale doesn’t rip it up during these final few months of the season, as long as he gets them over the line.
Two finishing lines await Jose Mourinho – securing a top-four finish and that League Cup final.
If Bale helps Tottenham over those lines then, whilst it’s been an expensive loan, in the end, it’s been one that has been worth it.
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