Quote Originally Posted by Syn View Post
He's a top player. A cheat, sure. But he is a top player. Part of his problem now is that he seems less of a team player. Whenever I've watched him recently, he tries to be the hero far too often (even more often than he used to be). It does pay off. But to go to the next level, the spuds have a problem if they plan on accommodating this version of Bale because he's no Ronaldo. Letting Ronaldo hog everything works because he can carry a team. Bale, not so sure yet. Has potential but needs to sort his attitude out. He's 22 years old and would fetch a silly amount of money. I don't watch pub league but is this Hazard guy any better than Bale?
Some Spud opinions I have seen say this too. Redknapp himself said he lets Bale and Van der Vaart do whatever they want. It probably hinders their team. Bale's strengths are dribbling speed and a very good left foot. Giving 100% freedom to someone reliant on those facets doesn't tend to work. Plus obviously it opens them up defensively. Can't expect hero blocks from the WWII spitfire pilot every time. Definitely a very good player is Bale. Within his limitations.