Why Gareth Bale's talent must be kept in perspective
Dominic Pollard
Posted on: 04 April 2011 - 22:05
Football
It seems that not a day goes by without Welsh prodigy Gareth Bale being linked with a big-money move away from White Hart Lane. Real Madrid and Barcelona are commonly cited as potential suitors but would such a move be premature?
There can be no doubting that Gareth Bale has emerged as one of the finer young talents in the Premier League over the last twelve months. When Benoit Assou-Ekotto was injured last January, Bale stepped into the team with a lot to prove. High expectations, under-whelming performances, and a record 24 appearances for the club without being on the winning side meant that he was not without his critics. Harry Redknapp was only a phone call away from accepting a loan offer from Nottingham Forest. But, over the last year the old-fashioned winger has resoundingly answered his critics.
From nowhere boy to the next big thing
Yet, with that being said, the valuation placed upon him must surely be considered flattering at best. Moreover, his name has been mentioned in connection with the Player of the Year award, but has his season really been that good? Almost certainly not when compared with Nemanja Vidic, his spurs teammate Rafael Van de Vaart, Argentine Carlos Tevez, or even, for fear of stoking the North London fires, Arsenal’s Samir Nasri.
The winger has seven goals and just one assist to his name in the league this year. If it were not for his two performances against Internazionale, which were unquestionably superb, one could safely assume that things would be very different.
It appears as though the British media, as it has a habit of doing, has well and truly nailed the label of ‘the next big thing’ on to Gareth Bale. He seems to be the focus of the press and pundits alike in every match he plays. Not because his performances are always outstanding but because those commentating on the match have a predisposed desire to lavish the player with praise. Every touch, every run and every cross is met with unnecessarily embellishing adjectives. In reality, had it been any other player it would have barely warranted comment at all.
The next big thing? Or set for a fall
This is not to say, of course, that he is not a talented player. Obviously he is. It is important to keep things in perspective, though. Is he worthy of the Player of the Year award? Is he worth £40million? No. He has emerged as a hot prospect with a bright future. He had two stand-out matches in the Champions League against Inter. He is not yet, however, an established player of the highest quality. Admittedly, injuries have disrupted his progress this season. But has he consistently been making full-backs look stupid in the Premiership? Has he terrorized the league’s top teams? Again, the answer is no.
The truth is that he has not even been Tottenham’s best or most influential player this season. Both Modric and Van der Vaart have been more instrumental in Spurs’ success. Van der Vaart’s 10 goals and seven assists probably make him the signing of the season while Modric’s consistency and control in a deeper role in the centre of their midfield has been integral to the team’s achievements this season. Bale, amongst flashes of brilliance and a host of solid performances, has been far from the cream of the crop.
Realism not revelations
A young player with pace, a fearless approach to taking on defenders and a sweet left boot - it is easy to see why he would be in high demand. Out of this talent and a handful of devastating performances, though, the media has created an uncontrollable monster. Price tags and claims that he is the best winger in the world right now are not yet deserved.
He has not been the Premier League’s best player, he has not been Tottenham’s best player. He has attracted praise and hype that exceeds the level of his performances. The British press ought to be patient to see if his potential is realised prior to placing the burden of never-ending speculation and outlandish praise on the 21-year old’s shoulders.