I have only seen the highlights of the posh game and read the reports but by all acounts Bale seemed to be heavily involved in the goals. But how did he play for the full 79mins and why did he get subsitituted, not playing well; injured; to give Naughton a chance or make sure Bale didn't get injured?
Gareth Bale...How did he play against Posh?
- Thread starter leetotty
- Start date
- Aug 18, 2005
- 6,527
- 267
I get the impression he wasn't really tested defensively. He was involved in a couple of goals but we already know about his abilities going forwards. I don't think he was injured at all when he came off, Harry probably wanted to give Naughton ten minutes.
With Bales current defensive limitations, it wouldn't actually surprise me if Harry ended up playing Hutton or Bassong at left back. With bassong it depends which other centreback are fit. With Hutton, if depends if Harry considers his poor defending to be less poor than Bales.
With Bales current defensive limitations, it wouldn't actually surprise me if Harry ended up playing Hutton or Bassong at left back. With bassong it depends which other centreback are fit. With Hutton, if depends if Harry considers his poor defending to be less poor than Bales.
mil1lion
This is the place to be
- May 7, 2004
- 42,549
- 78,177
I wouldn't play Hutton there tbh. I'd play Corluka there with Hutton on the right if that who we go with. Corluka played well there against Liverpool last season, although thats not enough to know if he can do well there over a few games. But Bale could really do with games under his belt.
raf18
Well-Known Member
- Aug 29, 2006
- 2,502
- 1,819
yup. agree bout charlie LB - IF bale isn't the right choice. As for bale's defensive limitations, I dont think it is something he can learn in training and then come into the team when he is ready. He can only really learn by playing games at LB. A loan move would be the best for his development - maybe at a lower prem team. But then, they would probably use his attacking attributes to their advantage, unless harry specifically tells them, he wants bale at LB.
danielneeds
Kick-Ass
- May 5, 2004
- 24,182
- 48,812
Bale has got to get his chance, According to Harry he has been training well and is in good form, but BAE has been flying. It will destroy Bale's moral if he doesn't get a chance now his competitor is injured.
To be honest I think Hutton is just as likely to make a defensive mistake as Bale anyway with the way he fails to get goalside or tuck in with his CBs.
To be honest I think Hutton is just as likely to make a defensive mistake as Bale anyway with the way he fails to get goalside or tuck in with his CBs.
Kendall
Well-Known Member
- Feb 8, 2007
- 38,502
- 11,933
Hutton has been as poor, if not poorer defensively than Bale. So playing him out of position on Bale's side is a poor suggestion.
Give Bale a shot I say, he's earned as much. Though I'd prefer us to sign a better defender to cover BAE in all honesty.
Give Bale a shot I say, he's earned as much. Though I'd prefer us to sign a better defender to cover BAE in all honesty.
- Aug 18, 2005
- 6,527
- 267
It sounds harsh but the result is much more important than Bale getting his chance. There have been a lot of threads about GDS/Bale/Naughton playing but at the end of the day it's about Tottenham winning matches and Harry choses the side that he thinks will win. If Harry thinks Bale can hack it defensively, then fair enough. If not then he'll have to consider other options and try Bale in less important games or in midfield.
tommo84
Proud to be loud
- Aug 15, 2005
- 6,224
- 11,295
Harry has been talking Bale up a lot so I'm expecting him to fill BAE's shoes for the next few weeks. With Luka working his socks off ahead of him he may have a bot more protection at LB than he had under Jol and everyone's performances under Ramos should be all but dismissed as nobody did much right in that time.
Bale did very well IMO. Contender for man of the match.
He really is a wing-back and really loved pushing up. I lost count how many times he did that. He set up Kranky's 2nd goal and Defoe's goal. Pushing up so much does leave us a bit vulunerable to counter-attacks which weren't a problem v Posh. He really did force the pace of the game along.
Defensively he had improved. I spotted a couple of good tackles. Although sometimes he did slip into his old habit of ball-watching.
Definitely promise there.
He really is a wing-back and really loved pushing up. I lost count how many times he did that. He set up Kranky's 2nd goal and Defoe's goal. Pushing up so much does leave us a bit vulunerable to counter-attacks which weren't a problem v Posh. He really did force the pace of the game along.
Defensively he had improved. I spotted a couple of good tackles. Although sometimes he did slip into his old habit of ball-watching.
Definitely promise there.
WhiteStripe
Get out of my club you cretin!
- Aug 23, 2006
- 14,211
- 4,984
All we are saaaayyyyiiinngg...is give Bale a chance. Seriously, playing players out of position because there are slight concerns about his defensive abilities is crazy. If he is fit, then surely it makes sense to give him a run in the team. We need him to develop, or we may as well sell him!
Bale was excellent going forward. Was ran at just three times by the paceless posh winger, and struggled twice.
Another example of what an excellent attaking left midfielder he can be, but a full back he is not.
Did especially well for our second goal hooking a ball back after an overhit 5 yard Keane pass.
Bare in mind the opposition as well, they are awful, didnt even put up a fight.
Another example of what an excellent attaking left midfielder he can be, but a full back he is not.
Did especially well for our second goal hooking a ball back after an overhit 5 yard Keane pass.
Bare in mind the opposition as well, they are awful, didnt even put up a fight.
danielneeds
Kick-Ass
- May 5, 2004
- 24,182
- 48,812
Yeah but sometimes you have to blood youngsters knowing that they may make a mistake because you believe in their talent. To be honest Kuyt isn't going to skin him for pace and if Harry has a word with Luka to make sure he gives Bale cover by tracking back he should be fine.
WhiteStripe
Get out of my club you cretin!
- Aug 23, 2006
- 14,211
- 4,984
Harry won't even need to tell Luka. Both him and palacios are very good at covering defensive duties when one of our back four get a little bit excited and troop up the pitch.
