Dion Dublin says Tottenham star has ‘shed a few pounds’

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Dion Dublin has told Optus Sport’s Weekend Review Show that he reckons Tottenham Hotspur superstar Gareth Bale has lost weight in the last few weeks, having come back into the starting line-up under interim boss Ryan Mason.

Bale, 31, has starred for Spurs since Mason replaced Jose Mourinho just over a fortnight ago – scoring four in the two Premier League games Mason has taken charge of. He netted a hat-trick last time out, albeit against already-relegated Sheffield United.

The Real Madrid loanee is giving Spurs fans some hope of a top-four finish, and even if they fail to qualify for the top four – his excellent form at least solidifies qualification for the Europa League. Bale now has 14 goals in 30 appearances this season.

Speaking after his hat-trick, Dublin reckons the attacker has lost weight since Mason has come in and replaced now-Roma manager Mourinho. He raved about the 90-time Wales international, as Spurs continue to improve with Mason at the helm.

“If you look at his frame, the way he looks. He looks like Gareth Bale. He’s shed a few pounds, he’s playing a few more games. He’s never going to lose that, but it’s doing it regularly, getting the consistency. He is a brilliant player,” Dublin said.

TBR’s view – Is Bale showing Spurs he should be kept?

Is Bale now showing he has a point to prove and looking to hand Daniel Levy the answer to the question – should Bale remain at Spurs this summer? Clearly, Bale’s wages make his loan an expensive purchase. But if given freedom, he is a world-beater.

Mourinho failed to give Bale the freedom he requires to play to his best. But his best changes games. So, Spurs have got to keep Bale but only if they hire a manager – or keep Mason – that gives him the freedom to play to his best abilities.