Redknapp on Bale

[bubble07]

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has backed Gareth Bale to eventually become his first-choice left-back but admits the Wales youngster needs to work on the defensive side of his game.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been preferred in recent Premier League games, although Bale was given his chance for the full 90 minutes against NEC Nijmegen in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.


The 19-year-old Welsh international has played in eight of Spurs' league matches this season, but Redknapp insists he has the make-up to be one the best defenders in the league.



"He has to learn the game," Redknapp said. "He has everything to be a top player. He has to learn how to defend, learn how not to let people play balls inside him, learn to recover, just learn parts of his game.
"But it's all there. He's 6ft tall, a great athlete and I didn't know he had a long throw until the NEC game. It was amazing he threw it that far. He never showed that before, he kept it up his sleeve.


"He may have to play forward until he learns the position better but I can see him being a top left-back."

 

[Coyboy]

Our Delap?

 

[Black]

Wouldn't mind him playing on the left with BAE behind him

 

[robin09]

I noticed a few games ago he has a pretty monster throw, and I couldnt work out why he chucks it short when we're up their end. Hopefully Harry will get them practicing some long throws into the area.

 

[HuggyBear]

So what Harry's saying is that he can become one of the best defenders in the country just as soon as he learns how to defend?

 

[bubble07]

and when we do all the hard work and make him into a top left back man u will come calling and bale will get going

 

[Wsussexspur]

I hope he starts on left of midfield tomorrow against Everton! Think he would do better job on the left than Bentley who never looks 100% comfortable on left of midfield.

 

[PT]

Right now, he is a far better Beckham-esque left midfielder. He doesn't lack pace and knows how to move quickly with the ball. He can also cross from deep or off the bye-line. He's six foot and left footed. Plus, an eye for a cracking pot shot on goal from a deadball position.

 

[DC_Boy]

I don't think he should start tomorrow - but if Harry thinks he should then I do but my guess is harry doesn't think he should start either

 

[bubble07]

I really want us to play a balanced 4-4-2 which for me means Bale needs to start ahead of bentley on the left. Once he sorts out his defending i'd expect him to replace benny

 

[Sputic]

Right now, he is a far better Beckham-esque left midfielder. He doesn't lack pace and knows how to move quickly with the ball. He can also cross from deep or off the bye-line. He's six foot and left footed. Plus, an eye for a cracking pot shot on goal from a deadball position.

The thing is though, he looks much more comfortable and effective when attacking from LB than he does LM. I think he's worth persevering with as a LB, even if it means him learning on the job.

 

[MrWoolley]

Interesting views from Redknapp, pretty much what I've been saying about Bale for a while. I think Bale has fantastic potential and will only learn with playing time, he's going to be quality in a couple of years ( and will probably join Man United then! )

 

[spurs4europe]

Our Delap?

Well since half our team is under 6 foot, I doubt it :grin: