98-cap ace says nation lucky to have Spurs player who always performs at ‘extremely high level’

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Tottenham Hotspur ace Gareth Bale “always performs to an extremely high level” for Wales, international teammate Chris Gunter has told Goal.com.

The 31-year-old rejoined Spurs on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid in mid-September, a move which saw the media spotlight shine brightly on North London.

Bale wasn’t thrown straight into action as he was recovering from a knee injury on Wales duty prior to his switch to Tottenham, as well as being short of match fitness.

However, he has since returned to action for Spurs, with six competitive appearances under his belt already, of which four have been starts.

Bale’s first Premier League start came in the 1-0 win over West Brom last time out, featuring for 78 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Moura.

He was then seen receiving treatment on his right ankle, which appeared to be covered in an ice pack.

Bale wasn’t involved in Wales’ friendly with the United States in Swansea, instead being rested for the upcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Gunter – Wales’ most capped player with 98 appearances – told Goal.com: “The way he’s been this week is the way he’s been any time I’ve been with Wales.

“He’s the exact same, regardless of any situation. He just loves coming away and is fully excited. He’s always in good shape, that’s your job as a footballer.

“It would be disrespectful to say he’s in the best shape now, because of his professionalism since he started breaking in for club and country.

“Whenever he comes away with Wales he performs to an extremely high level.

“I haven’t noticed any different. He’s the exact same guy when we started playing together in the Under-17s.

“We’re lucky to have him and hopefully he can do over the next week what he’s been doing for many years for us.”

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It’s baffling to think Bale was frozen out at Real Madrid for so long, a player of the highest calibre who has won a multitude of trophies and gives his all for club and country.

The Bernabeu’s loss is Spurs’ gain, their impressive attacking ranks bolstered even further as Jose Mourinho looks to build on their great start to the season, just one point off the top of the Premier League table.

Likewise, Wales are indeed lucky to have a player of Bale’s calibre in their ranks, and with the Dragons having qualified for Euro 2020, the opportunity to build on the superb Euro 2016 finish is there.