Ian Wright expects Gareth Bale to make Cristiano Ronaldo change at Tottenham

Add as preferred source on Google

Ian Wright has told Optus Sport’s The Kelly and Wright show (October 15) that he believed Gareth Bale will make a Cristano Ronaldo-like change to his style of play following his loan move to Tottenham Hotspur from Real Madrid.

Bale, 31, has agreed a season-long move to Spurs – seven years after leaving Tottenham to join Real Madrid. The loan includes the option of a second loan for the 2021-22 season, with Bale’s contract at Real expiring in the summer of 2022.

The 83-time Wales international is yet to make his second debut for Tottenham but has returned to training on a regular basis and is said to be in line to face West Ham United on Saturday. A start is unlikely, but a sub outing could be an option.

Wright was asked about Bale and reckons the former Southampton man could have looked at Ronaldo’s alteration in his style. The Portuguese sits in the final third and saves his energy, instead of bombing around the pitch, in order to extend his career.

“With Bale watching Ronaldo managing his game in the latter stages of his time at Real, I think that is something Bale will do at Spurs,” Wright said when asked about the possible impact of Bale at Tottenham.

“I don’t expect him to be running all over the pitch, I expect him to be the final third and see that explosiveness – we might see some free-kicks. But he will manage his game at that end of the pitch.”

TBR’s view – Will Bale be used like Ronaldo at Tottenham?

At Juventus, Ronaldo is used as a striker and only shows any kind of speed or work rate in the final third – rather than the early stages of his career which saw the Portuguese star run after the ball in all positions, looking to shoot and score.

Mourinho will not play Bale up front, given the presence of Harry Kane. Indeed, the Welshman will be used out wide or potentially as a second striker. The latter could allow Bale freedom, and have a Ronaldo-like impact.