Can Bale be more than just a winger?

82 league appearances Gareth Bale has made for Tottenham since he joined from Southampton in 2007, scoring 13 league goals in the process.

An impressive stat for a player, who was once considered the clubs bad luck charm having gone a record 24 league games for the club until Harry Redknapp bought him on the 85th minutes in the 5-0 win over Burnley in 2009.

Having waited for his chance to shine at White Hart Lane, an injury to Benoit Assou-Ekotto presented him with the opportunity he so desperately craved. Playing from left-back, the Welshman gave the opposition back four a torrid time and pick up a number of man-of-the-match accolades for his performances.

The return of Assou-Ekotto saw Bale moved to the left-wing and the rest, as they say, is history. The former Saints full-buck-cum-winger has come on leaps and bound in the past 18 months and along with turning out some impressive performances in the league, the 22-year-old caused shockwaves across Europe following some outstanding displays during Spurs' maiden Champions League campaign.

And despite interest from a number of footballs heavyweights, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan included, Bale has insisted he is more than happy at White Hart Lane, which can only be good news for Spurs fans. But, could the talented youngster play in more positions that just the wing?

His ability with the ball at his feet, keen eye for goal and his usefulness with his head has seen many fans question whether he could do a job behind a striker or even up top with a partner. He has all the physical attributes to withstand even the toughest of defenders and even today admitted he would happily put up with hustle and bustle of Premiership counterparts, who often resort to kicking Bale out of the game to stop him, as long as the team won.

Should Emmanuel Adebayor pick up an injury, there aren't many Spurs fans confident that Jermain Defoe or Roman Pavlyuchenko can be relied upon to successfully lead the front-line. With that in mind, Bale had proven his goalscoring ability from the wing and the Welshman has previously expressed his interest in playing in a more central role.

Whether that is up front or in a similar role to Lionel Messi plays with Barcelona, it certainly is worth a go, especially with the footballing ability firmly locked away in Bale's locker. So, should Adebayor pull up injured at any point, why not give Bale a go? He certainly can't do any worse than Defoe or Pavlyuchenko, that's for sure.



Comments

[Stupot1]

If it aint broke.....

[TonyRich]

Be real. Bale scores goals because he comes off his wing and loses marker. As a striker, he'd be marked out of it. Bale is only quick once he gets going - Messi and Defoe are quick off the mark. Messi, & even Defoe have better close control than Bale. Bale scores, but is not a natural finisher, whereas Messi and Pav are. Bale may be able to do a Forward left role, or even a central attacking midfield. But he ain't a striker... Just because a player scores, does not mean that they can play up front -

[BJ Spurs]

I couldn't agree more..!! In the old 606 days, at a time when were failing with our strikers, I suggested something similar. He's big, strong, fast, can head a ball, shoot, take on players, has a decent long-throw, can defend and it wouldn't surprise me if he could be a stand-in 'keeper too..!! I remember Hoddle pulling on the green jersey in the past..!!

Is there a better all-round player than Bale..??