Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

[dudu]

People seem to be let down by their own expectations rather than the reality that it was always going to take him time to get going again.

 

[Saoirse]

This probably won't be a popular take, but not all the blame is on Madrid. Gareth is the one who almost openly prioritised golf and did not keep up the level of dedication needed to footba. He is partly -only partly - responsible for his own decline.

 

[$hoguN]

This probably won't be a popular take, but not all the blame is on Madrid. Gareth is the one who almost openly prioritised golf and did not keep up the level of dedication needed to footba. He is partly -only partly - responsible for his own decline.

Don’t agree with that either tbh.

 

[Spurs_Bear]

This probably won't be a popular take, but not all the blame is on Madrid. Gareth is the one who almost openly prioritised golf and did not keep up the level of dedication needed to footba. He is partly -only partly - responsible for his own decline.

You’re right it’s not popular. Or likely correct.

 

[slartibartfast]

Every week I think it will be the one where he clicks into gear, and every week I’m wrong.

I think our trouble is that we all expect him to explode into action and win games on his own. He’s not going to do that straight out of the gate. He’s barely played in 2020, Madrid ruined his fitness levels, and ruined his confidence.

He still shows flashes of absolute brilliance his touch, and skill are evident, he just needs to relax a little and be confident that he is a good player.

I wonder whether we should play him on the left a few times, so he can get the feel of beating his man and contributing crosses and goals in the final third. Right now he’s too slow cutting in and his path is blocked more often than not. Just go back to basics and get his confidence back.

I’m still confident it will come good and he will be a big big player for us in the second half of the season.

We're not going to sacrifice Son so Bale can have a go on the left. I think there may be something in the idea that he's worried he'll pull up again if he opens up full throttle. Does seem to be playing within himself.

 

[Tucker]

We're not going to sacrifice Son so Bale can have a go on the left.

Generally Bale has been starting the games where Son has been on the bench. Son only started yesterday because Vinicius is injured, and he played through the middle anyway. So it’s not really a matter of sacrificing our form player.

 

[slartibartfast]

Generally Bale has been starting the games where Son has been on the bench. Son only started yesterday because Vinicius is injured, and he played through the middle anyway. So it’s not really a matter of sacrificing our form player.

I'm talking PL. Are you talking Europa?

 

[Tucker]

I'm talking PL. Are you talking Europa?

Well that’s where GB has been getting his minutes.

 

[spursfan1991]

Gareth Bale has already achieved what was expected of him. Him signing on the dotted line, improved the morale of the players and the fans and more importantly it has raised the game of some of our players. Even if he doesnt score again in the EPL, his signing for me will be regarded as a success.

 

[Dirtysanchez6]

Bales time will come n the last 3 games aren’t games that Jose has thought he was needed in! If we ended up going behind in one of those games you would have seen bale! Certain games and certain situations will require bale and he will come up with the goods! Some games and situations won’t it’s really that simple until he gets his full fitness up at least

 

[Guntz]

I think he'll finally hit the ground running when Jose rotates the squad for the Christmas fixtures.

I would love it if he puts in a proper performance this Thursday though.

 

[cjbyid]

Big smile on his face at FT yesterday which was nice to see.

 

[Rout-Ledge]

Thankfully we don’t actually need him to be firing at the moment. If he’s not able (or willing) to bust a gut for the team then you need him popping up with moments of magic to win tricky games against the lower placed sides. If he’s not able to offer either then he’s of little use to us for the time being. Hopefully he will find his groove again over the next few weeks.

It’s a one year loan and on present form we won’t be extending it. Hopefully the prospect of winning his first ever PL will be motivation for him to work his bollocks off.

 

[SlotBadger]

Some players just get fucked quicker. Look at Schevchenko at Chelsea. He was magnificent for Milan, arguably the best striker on the planet, came to Chelsea at 29 or 30 and was absolute shite in every aspect.

And, like clockwork, saved his best moment for us (I'm glad I'll never have to listen to John Motson saying "Drog-bar" again):

 

[spursfan77]

It’s Sky’s or the West Ham/arsenal media’s next narrative. Bale unhappy with playing time. They’ll make it up. Jamie Redknapp already laying the groundwork for the nonsense.

 

[TropicalYid]

Think we need to be patient with Bale. Hes not played much in 2020.
Have a feeling he will be important for Spurs this season. Both in the league and the cups. Just give him time.

 

[spursfan77]

Think we need to be patient with Bale. Hes not played much in 2020.
Have a feeling he will be important for Spurs this season. Both in the league and the cups. Just give him time.

Im starting to feel sceptical. I was so excited but at the moment his signing has to go down as a disappointment.

 

[piedpiper]

I'm not in the least bit disappointed. He is performing exactly as I thought he would. In his 30's and in decline. It's got Nothing to do with his game time in 2020.

Some have clung to Bale of yesteryear . ..he doesn't have the stamina or guile he once possessed. he was/is a luxury signing. hopefully my assessment is wrong.

Edit....and he takes a beautiful Free kick.

 

[$hoguN]

Incredible free kick. Why pull him unless he is starting at CP?

 

[TheTanguy]

Incredible free kick. Why pull him unless he is starting at CP?

The decision was already made, José very unhappy with most performances up until that point.