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Liverpool legend John Barnes: Tottenham are getting the best out of ‘world-class’ Gareth Bale
The 22-year-old has been a revelation at White Hart Lane over the past two years and the former Anfield hero feels that his improved decision-making has been key
Feb 15, 2012 11:16:00 AM
By George Ankers
Getty Images
John Barnes believes that Tottenham have helped Gareth Bale develop into a "world-class" footballer.
“He's adapted his game to become world-class,” Barnes told Spurs’ official website.
“Was he a left back? Was he a left winger? A left-sided midfielder? I think he's found his true position, he's found his true pattern, his method and he's been sensational for the last two years."
The Wales international has caught the eye again this season with 10 goals and eight assists so far to aid Spurs' push for the Premier League title.
Standout performances over the past 24 months, particularly against the likes of Inter in the Champions League last season, reportedly prompting interest from elite European clubs such as Barcelona.
“You can't tie him down to a particular position or particular type of player. Is he a winger? Well, we've all seen him score goals from the middle," said Barnes.
“He's an all-round athlete, an intelligent footballer and Tottenham are getting the best out of him.”
Barnes, 48, has watched the former Southampton star improve his decision-making in particular in recent years, something which he feels is key to making the most of Bale’s vast potential.
“His game is not just about getting the ball and beating four players every time, you are not going to be able to do that,” the ex-England international observed.
“He seems to be able to cope with that because there are times when he gets it and lays it off first-time.
“The right decision is when to pass, when to dribble, when to run. What happened a lot - and it happened with me at times and maybe with him earlier in his career - when he got the ball, he probably felt he had to do something special.
“What's happening now is that he's making the right decisions. When there are two men on him, there is a spare man somewhere, and if you move the ball quickly you can find that spare man.
“He's now making those decisions. Maybe he won't be as eye-catching in every game in terms of beating four players, but he's still contributing to the team in helping them be successful.”
“He's adapted his game to become world-class,” Barnes told Spurs’ official website.
“Was he a left back? Was he a left winger? A left-sided midfielder? I think he's found his true position, he's found his true pattern, his method and he's been sensational for the last two years."
The Wales international has caught the eye again this season with 10 goals and eight assists so far to aid Spurs' push for the Premier League title.
Standout performances over the past 24 months, particularly against the likes of Inter in the Champions League last season, reportedly prompting interest from elite European clubs such as Barcelona.
“You can't tie him down to a particular position or particular type of player. Is he a winger? Well, we've all seen him score goals from the middle," said Barnes.
“He's an all-round athlete, an intelligent footballer and Tottenham are getting the best out of him.”
Barnes, 48, has watched the former Southampton star improve his decision-making in particular in recent years, something which he feels is key to making the most of Bale’s vast potential.
“His game is not just about getting the ball and beating four players every time, you are not going to be able to do that,” the ex-England international observed.
“He seems to be able to cope with that because there are times when he gets it and lays it off first-time.
“The right decision is when to pass, when to dribble, when to run. What happened a lot - and it happened with me at times and maybe with him earlier in his career - when he got the ball, he probably felt he had to do something special.
“What's happening now is that he's making the right decisions. When there are two men on him, there is a spare man somewhere, and if you move the ball quickly you can find that spare man.
“He's now making those decisions. Maybe he won't be as eye-catching in every game in terms of beating four players, but he's still contributing to the team in helping them be successful.”
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