Redknapp: Bale in the same class as Ronaldo & Messi

Oct 16, 2012 12:45:00 PM

The ex-Tottenham boss, who held onto the talented winger throughout his tenure despite reported transfer interest, believes the Wales international could play for anyone

"World-class" Gareth Bale is in the same league as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to his former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

The Wales winger has been linked with transfers away from White Hart Lane the last two summers, with Barcelona and Real Madrid frequently mentioned as potential suitors.

The north London club have so far held onto the 23-year-old, despite being edged out of this season's Champions League by Chelsea's trophy-winning exploits, but Redknapp thinks that Bale could play for any team on the planet, such is his talent.

"He's an amazing, amazing talent and he's after the Ronaldos and Messis of this world and he's getting better and better," he told BBC Sport.


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"He's almost unplayable when he's on his game. He is a genuine world-class player.

"There is nobody he couldn't play for. He’d improve any team."

Bale was instrumental in helping Wales beat Scotland 2-1 on Friday night - their first win under boss Chris Coleman - scoring two goals late in the game on home turf to turn Craig Levein's men over.

Redknapp added: "With 10 minutes to go, you're looking for somebody who can just do something special and Gareth can do something special.

"He can do everything and could play anywhere. He's the full package.

"He can head it, he can dribble, he can shoot, he's got a great physique, he's an amazing athlete, he can score with both feet - there are no weaknesses in his game.

"He is already at the top but any team in the world would love to have Gareth Bale playing for them.

"And he is a great lad as well with a good family behind him. It couldn't happen to a nicer lad."

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