The importance of being Gareth Bale
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 12:56PM There are a variety of inherent traits that make up the stereotypical DNA of a football supporter. On occasions we can be fickle and impatient. We can also very carefully manoeuvre away from one opinion in order to present a differing perspective to suit a new argument. Ignoring or contradicting is also another characteristic that shines through depending on whatever climate we stand in (good form or bad form).
Gareth Bale joined Spurs as a promising youngster. He made an impact before picking up an injury and then we did what we were so good at during that particular period of time; mismanagement of youth. He returned and was almost ruined as we drained every last drop of confidence from the lad who struggled to settle (and finish on the winning side) in a spell of twenty four appearances thanks mostly due to the incompetency of his team mates (although he suffered also thanks to some personal howlers). No end in sight, at one point he was being lined up with a loan away from Spurs. Benny got injured and Bale got another chance. Yet we almost missed out on seeing it transpire this way because we had given up hope of him succeeding. From left back to left wing.
Bale's development was finally progressing and his confidence rejuvenated. The Champions League season cemented him as one of the leagues brightest stars, strong in body and technically gifted with power and drive along with pace. Seems its easy to forget the time he struggled for us, equally so, it appears quite easy for some to also ignore that he's still young and developing and is having to deal with hype and expectation. He's playing in a side that has also progressed through a learning curve (and continues to do so) with a far more stable set-up than his early days with us. He's surrounded by some genuine talent making his growth as a player and young man one of assurance.
He's wanted by a variety of clubs or at the very least, the interest is there. We know at some point within a year or two he might leave. That's not to say he has a free pass and therefore should be exempt from criticism but there is so much short-term nonsensical reaction to the player that I sometimes wonder if some of our support is drowning in fickleness and attempting to drag Bale down with them to the despairing depths.
Firstly, ego. How does a player believe his own hype exactly? Is this a way to describe someone that is confident in their own ability but when isn't playing well is subject to being tagged as negligent or complacent?
If he's instructed to play in certain positions or if he wishes to add new dimensions to his play then freedom should be given so that the player can continue to adapt and improve. From left back to left wing to a potential free-roamer. He has both the physicality and technical skills to play on the flank or behind the forward(s) although there's no doubt that in our current set-up (with all players available) he's better suited on the left to provide us with width and to drag players across to open up space in the middle for others to exploit.
Bale has spent his career adapting. Several years ago nobody was quite sure of his best position. It's because he has so much about him as an athlete, a winger with rampant pace and an eye for goal, that he can potentially cut inside and attack centrally. It's how, where and when this is applied that is pivotal to the teams shape throughout the season when breaking opposing sides down. Equally pivotal for him in retaining consistency.
All the rhetoric about him getting giddy with the Ronaldo comparisons and forgetting his responsibilities to the team is (IMO) an easy way to scapegoat a player that is high profile (young) and therefore susceptible as a target to blame for the teams deficiencies. The manager should be controlling the players with far more astuteness, picking when and where the 'inside forward' experiment should play out. Wasn't too long ago we all jumped on Redknapp for the right wing selection only for it to morph into a tactically in-game swap with Lennon that can be effective against some teams. The handling since has not been cohesive enough and that is down to management. Do we want Bale on the right attempting to cross with his left? Of course not. He's wasted there unless he' swapping wings to confuse the opposition (unlikely to reoccur until Lennon is back).
When free-roaming into the centre he needs to know understand when this will work and when it's detrimental.
The criticism aimed at him (Bale) is usually voiced when its not going well (that's the fickle trait kicking in partnered impatience). Even after the Inter hat-trick and his devastating performance in the return game at the Lane, it was gradually highlighted that he wasn't effective in domestic games with many preferring to completely bypass the fact he was being singled out/doubled up on. Equally so it was easy to box up his age and pretend he was meant to be able to cope with cracking the mainstream and playing like he did at the San Siro week in week out.
Bale had to adapt to be able to cope with the extra pressure on and off the pitch, especially on it where he would be accompanied with a variety of defenders and hatchet men. As fans, our expectation levels rise and our standards of what quantify a good solid performance is hiked up meaning we are far more critical when a quiet game is had.
This season he's had his most consistent one yet. Like any player there have been peaks and troughs. Hype and ego are continually thrown into the discussion that Bale has somehow come to the conclusion that he only needs to stick on the shirt to perform rather than work hard out on the pitch. That he can wander around with complete freedom, purely for his own selfish agenda. The caveat here being, if we win/he scores it works and its all good and if it doesn't then the 'who the hell does he think he is?' brigade start screaming with hair pulling and clenched fists waving. Once again, there is a responsibility with the coaches and the manager to make sure there is shape within the team and that the players (Gareth included) are aware of their instructions as part of a working unit.
As for the diving. He does go down easily. He's admitted to this. At times it does look bad, a touch embarrassing even. Mainly because we rarely have players in our ranks that do this. Remember Zokora? I can think of two occasions when he blatantly fell to the ground and everyone around me in the Park Lane (including yours truly) cringed. We don't accept this as part and parcel of our game.
Perhaps he is far too conscious of the fact that if he is knocked or about to be and doesn't go down he might do himself an injury. Not too long ago, he would stay down clutching his knee/thigh/leg when fouled. Precautionary. I don't blame him protecting himself as long as he doesn't start rolling around La Liga style. If he's clipped and the ref will award a foul regardless (due to it being obvious to all that witnessed it) he still goes down for good measure to make certain of it. That's not to be confused with play acting and falling over shadows. He's been guilty of perhaps doing this once or twice but I don't see any maliciousness or premeditated tactic to cheat. IMO, he's still over cautious and sometimes takes it a touch too far reacting too soon to what he expects might happen. Some players are far too aware and worry too much about the what ifs and try to avoid any potentiality that might end with long term injury. Bale only appears to be conflicted with this lingering thought rather than seeking to fall at every available opportunity.
Now, you might find yourself questioning my ethics and reasoning here suggesting that I am being overly bias and attempting to excuse his actions based on my opinion that I don't believe him to possess the mentality of a cheat. I know he's not a cheat because when compared to certain other players that have 'graced' the Prem who have dived/cheated time and time again, in comparison there is no comparison. And on that basis, as a Tottenham supporter, I'm going to side and support the player as opposed to some who appear to be very comfortable and very quick to jump on him and ram their accusations of complacency down his throat. Can we attempt to protect our own especially when the crimes they've alleged to have committed do not warrant the negativity aimed towards him? He's one of us. There are enough rival fans hating on him so why would I consider standing in-amongst their group to point and shake my head at Bale?
Not every player is humble to the bone or posses the low centre of gravity to graceful navigate their way around sliding tackles and bruising shoulder charges. Most players have egos and are in some shape or form arrogant, perhaps not arrogant in an ugly way but simply in terms of self belief, allowing them to excel on the pitch. Gareth Bale isn't stupid. He knows he hasn't conquered the world. He knows he has the potential to do that and he shouldn't be fearful and shy away from it. While we have him in Lilywhite shirt I'll continue to enjoy his football and hope his progression and impact is of a high standard, a responsibility he shares with everyone at Spurs. All in it together, right?
It's my perspective. You might disagree with it. It might conflict with your own opinions which you are also free to share.
Gareth Bale is a brilliant footballer. He's twenty-two years of age and by all accounts is very mature and level-headed for someone so young and famous, carrying the expectations of so many on his shoulders. Please feel free to remember that next time you slate him.
Reader Comments (39)
Great post. Bale is immense. He is best in the left but many teams have been capable of shutting him down if he sticks to that as his game plan. His move more centrally started several games into the season, often passing into Modric and then arcing around to the other side of the pitch. As far as I can tell this change of play has come from the management as a solution to the triple teaming he was facing. As for diving, last year he drew four yellow cards in the span of three games. Players want to hurt him cause they can't handle him
who is gareth bale?
I would imagine that, in terms of positioning during a game, Gareth is purely doing what he is instructed to do.
The problem is that Harry moves him around the pitch without thinking about the effect it will have.
When there is natural team balance he and Lennon can swap sides and even flit in and out of the middle.
Maybe adding someone like Hazard in the summer will give Gareth the opportunity to sit off the striker without it unbalancing the shape of the team.
However, for now he needs to be utilising his key ability - pace, and use it to run and fullbacks. At least then he only has to take on one defender, whereas in the middle he has to taken on 3/4 players in order to create a chance.
Bale has the world at his feet - he's probably got 12 years at the top to go, but it's up to him how he develops.
He doesn't seem to have an ego (he certainly doesn't have Twitter account). It's the media that pile the pressure on him......
As for the "falling over", yes he goes down in a manner that lots of people consider to be "too easily", but when he's running at pace the slightest clip will send him spread-eagled to the floor. Most of the challenges he takes wouldn't knock him over if he was standing still, but he rarely stands still.
I don't like the limb holding every time he goes down though........ it's a bit too La Liga for me, especially as he's up within 15 seconds.
Superb post and an antidote to a heap of sanctimonious shite posted by someone on another forum berating GB. Perhaps, a period of positional discipline with clear instructions are needed. One bad half against The Goons does not make a poor season.
I just know that the Scum will win tonight....
bale will be a great asset for barcelona when they buy him
shame that hr is sapping his confidence playing him out of position and threatening to leave at the end of the season
COYS
Nice article. Agree with pretty much all you've written. I have to say that I don't like the accusations of diving coming mainly from opposition hatchet men and antagonistic pundits. A player like Bale who runs with pace is always going to get lesser defenders booked. In some cases these are mis-timed tackles without intent and are not deserving a yellow, but there are certainly many occasions where frustration (or perhaps a game plan) gives rise to the cynical deliberate foul which often gets just what it deserves. As the defenders complaints increase and the pundits add their own biased views, we start to see Gareth get an unfair reputation - his own protestations were ill-advised as this just raised the profile of the debate. Now I may also be biased, but I have never seen Gareth deliberately look for the foul or trip over thin air. More to the point I have seen some blatant fouls on him recently when having had his legs kicked at speed, the said pundits still chose to point the accusing finger at Gareth rather than castigate the clumsy defender. I just hope this doesn't end up driving him away from British football.
A lot of people knock Redknapp for playing Bale in multiple roles. But I think it's a really good move. This is the strongest season Spurs have had in donkey's years and it's an opportunity to develop from a team that challenges for the CL to a team that challenges, possibly, over a few good seasons, for the title. If Bale can get time playing across the attack he'll be incredible and we've already seen how with a bit of patience he can learn new positions - look at his metamorphosis from a defender into to a forward.
I say playing him down the middle and the right occasionally is a very good move. Let the young man learn these skills. He'll come good.
my gripe about bale is he's stopped doing the things that made him special in the first place. i don't boo or slag off, but i will admit he's been fucking me off of late. i don't know whether he has ideas above his station, however, the way i see it if he's double or triple marked, great, it creates more space for other equally as good players to play and create more time and space for them.
all this moving around seems to be at the teams detriment to aide bale and his hunger to get the ball more. i'm sorry for me team before player, we have enough class to punish teams in different areas. yes, in some instances it has worked out alright, but generally i feel had the team kept a bit more shape we probably would have ground out a few more results possibly, hard to say, just my feelings on it all.
he doesn't track back enough now either, as a result of him not being where he once was (although that may be due to instruction), this is pulling the team constantly out of position now, and we look a tad disjointed.
that said, i've had the time of my life this season, and i will reserve judgement until the end of the season, i'm reluctant to cunt anyonet all this season, just through the sheer joy spurs has brought me (genuinely) for the first time in my 27 years (that i can remember).
What is the point of Gareth Bale?
Most overrated player in the league, interest from Barca? Still no concrete offers for him and I don't expect any after his last 5/6 performances. Shirks a tackle, goes missing and plays for himself.
Lets not delude ourselves here, he is not in the class of Messi/Ronaldo who can play anywhere across the front and be effective, he is an overmars type, kick the ball into space and run in straight lines, he hasn't the ability or vision to play in the middle, lets leave that to our best player Modric, so Harry please stop sacrificing Luka and we will get back to winning ways!
Rant Over
tbf, anyone citing him for diving wants to take a look at Charlie Adams tackle on him at the back end of last season. I'd be fracking paranoid after that assault
Leave GB alone I reckon. People shouldn't build him up to shoot him down. I suppose if it wasn't Bale then it would be someone else.
i don't see it as shooting him down, personally, i think as a player you have to take the rough with the smooth.
alright taking in all the praise, that doesn't (shouldn't) exempt you from criticism when you are not doing what is perceived you should be.
it all seems pretty simple to me, we've lost 3 games in a row now, lets go back to basics, and get right what we were doing when we started this run. all very well running around like a bunch of cunts when they are all on form and red hot, when its not clicking it looks a mess imo.
I was at Goodison on Saturday and of any ill-will aimed at or near Bale, 90% of it, maybe more, was to do with the instructions he'd been given and, if anything, there was a lot of sympathy for the lad. When VdV came on, he jogged past and Bale obviously asked him where he was to play now. Rafa gesticulated that he (Bale) should stay in the middle as VdV was going to the left (no doubt as per Redknapp's wishes).
I don't think there is an issue with a player of Bale's obvious promise 'believing his own hype' when his own manager is doing exactly that. Suddenly, Harry, the king of doing the simple things well, playing to your strengths and enjoying yourself, thinks he's Mourinho. On Saturday, our only key injury was to Lennon yet we dropped the talisman VdV (maybe still not fully fit - so Defoe comes in) and we play Bale and Modric out of position. They struggled to influence the game but it was hardly their fault - Bale's instructions seem to be only to mark Baines. Honestly.
Some good points here...
I believe it may be only a matter of time before some one really "does" him, and God forbid he breaks a bone in his foot or a leg... he has been subject to intense "scrutiny" this season in particular- especially on the wing- its no wonder HR lets him roam- it does pull people all over the park. I also believe that he may have been told to take advantage of every opportunity to go down... hence the dramatic rolls (which I don't like creeping into his game)
I am also old enough to remember an old photo shoot from the Sunday times magazine about George Best showing all the injuries he picked up in a season- it was not a pretty sight... and Bale is getting the same level of attention- how many times have you seen 3 on 1?
I love to see him on the wing- but he has been rumbled and a marked man (literally), but him moving inside relies on the others to take advantage- and only on a couple of occasions against (dare I say) Lesser teams has it worked.
He is a wonderful talent, and should be utilized- where he an do most damage-on the left- with the support of the other mid-fielders!
To be honest I blame Harry for the license he's given to Bale in IMPORTANT games. Yes the kid gets marked heavily on the left but he draws players to him leaving space in other areas for Modric to create, for example.
I understand that Bale has to add to his game and we would like him to be more than a one-trick-pony but please for gods sake leave that to games of lesser significance, against lower (perceived) opposition, until it's perfected. Right now it's seriously fucking us up positionally.
This season I remember it paying off twice - those two goals where he teamed up with Lennon on the left - but even then he was closer to the left wing than the right.
Roaming has been touch-and-go but the right wing for Bale is a huge mistake, for me, and to see him start there on Saturday worried me before the game started (as did Modric on the left).
He could, perhaps be allowed to wander more in games at home against the bottom half of the table, but NEVER away and NEVER on the right. This experiment is a failure I just hope Harry wises up to that ASAP.
The most obvious piece of evidence that confirms Bale isn't a diver is there for all to see. Why dive to win a free-kick when your team is f***ing useless at freekicks!
As for Bale himself. Talented footballer with a lot to learn, but learning he is. My main concern is Bale needing to learn when he going to be more effective through the middle and when on the wing...where, or specificly, from who is he going to learn this?
"The most obvious piece of evidence that confirms Bale isn't a diver is there for all to see. Why dive to win a free-kick when your team is f***ing useless at freekicks!"
hahaha, can't argue with that logic
This might be a bit controversial, but I believe Bale made more of an impact when he was at left-back, he couldn't really be marked (by opposition defence at least, let alone be - or have the apparent need to be double-marked), had time to reach his blistering top speed before he got to the final 3rd (allowing him to slow down and put a controlled cross in, not just smashing it into the box because he's going too fast) and the space and time to plan his route when he went on a run.
I remember him countless times at left-back winning the ball off the opposition, pegging it upfield, doing about 3 players with hilarious & giddying ease and almost always getting a great cross away, whereas he can seem to get a bit stumped or just clattered when he comes up against a quality or just rubbish right-back when he receives the ball further up the field.
I obviously wouldn't want to put Benny on the bench, though.
JohnnyB .... agree!
IMO the Harry reign has run its course.
Ok Bale is a conundrum but only because Harry confuses the issue.
He is a great player ( Bale not Harry ) but has built a reputation in a short time mainly from the Inter game. His strengths are obvious to all but Harry.
He is not a right winger, the swapping with Lennon for 10 minutes or so during a game requires a caveat...Lennon.
Without a right winger Bale needs to do what he does best, stay left, maybe not hugging the left wing but as an inside left.
Problems with Spurs at the moment ....
1. Work ethic...disappeared.
2. Free kicks....pointless.
3. Players in incorrect positions.
Not sure how the following will be looked at but...RW .. how about Bentley? He can cross and take free kicks, he is being paid whether or not he plays.
Or....Walker RW....obviously a RB required, the lad Smith...or once upon a time Corluka.
The season appears to be heading the same way as the last, Harry for England...no chance, hopefully the new contract for Harry will be the same...No chance.
Ramos got sacked for three losses in a row, Harry has accomplished that in Spades.
This year has been a shambles ( 2012 ) , games at Watford and Stevenage were a disgrace, Arsenal was just mindblowing, at 2-0 up, 13 points clear, everyone could see the better team, not once did Arsenal stop in their belief that they would batter us...HR reaction..at 2-0 up I knew we were in trouble! Man Utd and Everton, ok we had lots of possession but that was Fergusons/Moyes game plan and it worked beautifully, very much like how we laid out our stall Vs Liverpool !
I will be a staunch Newcastle fan tonight, hoping they batter Arsenal.
Back to supporting the mighty Spurs come Saturday and all the following games..
However a loss to Chelsea and 5th place could be a reality ....
Sorry about the off topic rant Spooky....
COYS !
>>This might be a bit controversial, but I believe Bale made more of an impact when he was at left-back
So you'd really move our second most proficient goal scorer farther away from goal, to a position where his defensive responsibilities increase? You seem to suggest that this is the only way he can attain his top, 'blistering' speed as if first stage rocket boosters fall from his hips every time he crosses the midfield line. Maybe so...surely there's nothing more soothing to my anxious heart than seeing Bale zooming into the corner, only to launch a perfect cross to the noggins of our relentless and ruthless heading strikeforce. Actually, now that I think about it, when was the last headed goal from a Bale cross?
Sorry if that comes across as sarcastic- you're by no means the only one that has suggested this, or that he needs to stay on the left wing. The latter seems to be the prevailing sentiment. But I can't figure out who is supposed to reach his crosses. Manny's not getting there and he's not working harder, nor Defoe. Lennon or VDV cutting in from the wing? Parker or Modric surging from midfield? Honestly, I think Bale himself has probably been more of a threat in the air than anyone but Kaboul (if only to the fourth row).
Excellent talent being poorly managed.
If he is being double or triple marked that's good news for the team.
It takes an attacker or another midfieder out of the equation and creates space.
He's still capable of making chances for others with his power and pace.
He would have roasted Neville alive if he had be given the left wing berth on Saturday.
Doesn't stop him interchanging during the game for limited periods, as he does effectively with Lennon.
He's young ,he's learning but needs stronger management.
It's a team game. and he's not the most important element.
so that's 1 point then.
if the players feel anything like i do then we are in big big trouble.
man this is painful
Given that we need all our best players to be at their best, preferably in their best positions, now is not the time to have philosophical discussions about Gareth. Our season is turning into a disaster movie.
Well said JimmyG2, only I would go further than 'stronger management' and say 'management who gives a fuck about Tottenham' because Redknapp doesn't. Since his court case and england calls he's taken his eye off the ball. Just look at the results since the verdict, 3 losses and a replay to beat Stevenage Borough. I ask you. He even allowed the Arse to be the team that turned the tide and he didn't look as though he was the slightest bit troubled by it. In case anyone thinks the court case and england calls didn't cause this blip, just look at his absence over the heart procedures and they caused no problem at all. Even if he gets us that CL spot and wins the FA Cup, I want to see the back of him this summer.
Excellant article Spooky.
RE: Diving
I can admit that Bale has gone to ground a little too easy this season but it's so typical of media and fans in this country to rage over diving when uncessary and reckless challenges made by defenders are far far worse, yet the negative focus still weighs on the attacker for making a meal of the challenge. Are we honestly saying that we're outraged more about players protecting themselves rather than players being on the receiving end of career threatening tackles?
I do think though that he's going through a stage like Ronaldo was when he was learning his trade. When he was being targetted by defenders he'd make an absolute meal of challenges, some more than convincing that others. The OTT tackles where he was being fouled and badly were being brushed off due to his reputation which is beginning to happen to Bale. But some of the ridiculous challenges this season especially have gone unpunished yet we seem to be focusing on a player who has seemingly built up this reputation for himself who goes to ground easily out of habit due to defenders going in hard on him rather than the offenders who hit him hard in order to stop him affect the way he plays.
Not trying to justify it but lets have some perspective.
not much to say just ,he he he he !!!! , poor old spuddies , always in arsenal's shadow...
Funny how Ars fans were calling for Wengers head about a month ago!!
You always make me laugh, keep it up lads
Arsenal, chasing Tottenham's shadow. How times have changed for the swamp things. From invincibles to celebrating a home win like a cup final because they've got within a point of little old Spurs.
LMFAO
They say Bale's a cheat for diving..... Erm, what was Arteta up to with the corners last night then????
Anybody who doesn't admire Arsenals, skill, resolve, attitude and management after last night and the winning of four consecutive games after going behind has avery blinkered vision of what football is all about.
Admiring Arsena recent five win runl does not diminish my love for Spurs over 60 yrs.
Completely agree Jimmy, shame they are such a classless bunch of pricks in victory.
We must not put Bale's development ahead of the team. If we don't use our best players correctly now, the likes of Bale will be free-roaming their way to another side.
We have got to stay focused and play to our strengths, especially now the arse have found the mental toughness that they were lacking all season.
This is a statement from a man who is supposed to be one of the best managers in England, so much so, that England want him to manage them. Quote: “I said all along that 10 points can evaporate very quickly and I looked at the fixtures and knew going away to Arsenal, United at home, Everton and then Chelsea away, they are all tough games. There you have it now, a 10 point lead is not good enough, a two goal lead is not good enough.
I say the manager is not good enough. I say his head is not right, just like Modric last summer, only this is 'long term' with Harry.
To make the above statement and still insist we can finish third, with a one point lead borders on insanity. Imagine allowing this England situation to sit in the wings, seeing as it's affecting our season so very, very much. An announcement should be made stating whether or not he is taking the England job as he is no good to anyone in this Limbo.
This situation is doing untold damage.
As much as they all try to deny it, the England thnig is definitely having an impact on our season.
How many players are not giving 100% because they think Harry may not be around next season and whoever comes in may not want them?
The situation should have been sorted out within a week of Cappello quiting. It should have been done and dusted with the FA making an approach and the contract being signed, whether it was with immediate effect or from the end of the season. At least that way everyone knows the situation for the final run of games.
Is it possible for the fans to sue the FA over their incompetency affecting our club????
When Laurent Blanc was linked with the France job, his Bordeaux side, who at that time were leading, went into tailspin. I don't think it's definative, but it is hard to ignore. Some of Redknapp's tactical judgements have been very odd of late, the strangest of which is the one that is dicussed the least - playing three at the back against Stevenage. That replay has cost us Dawson for the rest of the season, and Lennon.
As for Bale, I can only say FFS, he's a young player learning his trade. I'm not sure he is best used cutting inside, but he needs to learn more than one dimension to his game. Didn't do Giggs any harm, did it?
We are not playing that badly, as bad as it looks. What isn't great is the fact that we are not digging out the results, surprisingly like they are. Has a lot to do with shape. i.e. lack of it.
It's odd having these conversations about our shape and balance, because it was the lack of that blighted the Jol years. For ages, Spurs could not solve the left-sided midfield problem (we literally could not just go and buy a f#cking left winger!) and the balance for the team was crippling. With Lennon and Bale, it looked like (and I believe still is) problem solved. When one of the two is injured, the old problem of balance returns.
Debating the shape of the team? Throwing away Champs League qualification at the tailend of a season? I'm feeling all retro now.
Bale what a love hate relationship. I love the drive and directness he brings to the team, what I detest is his prima donna status, his inability to stay upright anywhere near the goal and his belief that he has become the saviour of WHL! Wish he would accept the fact he is still young and learning, he would be wise to follow the example of many young players like Walcott or Young. I think its soon time to draw a line under HR, let him take the England job as he isnt showing any interest in us!