Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

[newbie]

Obviously Kane's goal is the stand out but I can't overstate how important it is that you have three players of incredible quality getting into the penalty area.

It's an absolute nightmare for defenders and will have them quaking in their boots.

Teams have been able to double up on Kane and block of Son's runs but if you've got Lucas beating players and Ndombele breaking the lines who is gunna pick up the runs of Bale, Kane and Son?

With Bale and Kane bursting into the penalty area it just causes panic and havoc for defenders.

What makes it worse is when Kane or Bale drop deep and start to spread play because defences have to constantly adjust to who they pick up.

We need to keep up this energy and put all the questions to the opposition. We know how good we can be, it's up to the opposition to find ways to deal with them rather than us worry about what they can do.

i think Mora was also outstanding yesterday his pace and work, he creates space though the middle, we have 2 pacey attackers to compliment Kane and Bale

Bale is not the bale that left but i think his a far better footballer he just does not have the pace and energy, his vistion, pasing, control, and footbaling inteligence has improved.

He creates a lot of space for other players as he sucks in players, and play makes from the wing with crossing and long switches of play, he also is constantly looking around where players are.

 

[tototoner]

With modern sports science, etc, there's no reason why he can't perform at a high level for the next 3 or 4 seasons.

Agree which is why he needs to think like that

 

[faymantaray]

Getting to watch Bale tormenting Arsenal again is like your favourite band touring again after a ten year hiatus.

 

[shoggy33]

We are finally seeing an in form Bale linking up with Kane. That is really bloody exciting. If Son can refind his shooting boots as well we are going to be terrifying.

 

[Thewobbler]

Really really hoping he plays the derby, but got an annoying feeling Jose will opt for Moura or Bergwijn for the added defensive cover (If aurier isn't back)

I believe he will rest bale Thurs. How can he drop anyone from that front 3 in the league

 

[BringBack_leGin]

Those switches off play to Reguilón on the left

 

[Kingellesar]

World class player, never doubted it, we all just felt perhaps he wouldn't quite get back into this team the way we started the season with Son and Kane on fire. He has now come into the team and given us the lift everyone needed, you can see it is breeding confidence in the rest of the team too. We now have threats all over the pitch that is causing defences to panic on who to mark. Moura has been fantastic in this spell to, his energy and desire is allowing Bale to drift in from the right and not have to be the one carrying the ball forward.

This front 4, right now, is looking like they can carry us on for the rest of the season and hopefully get something to show for it. He looks so happy out there now, it's such a joy to watch.

 

[TheBlueRooster]

... And at 31 come back to the Premier League not gone to Rangers or Celtic for an easy end to his career.

 

[hazzaaa]

Extend the loan!!

 

[Partizan]

Now to just hope his body holds up

 

[mumfordspur]

He has some fine points (imho) that dont get discussed much.
1. He is a strong player I dont mean a fat git like Antonio or a bully but just a strong physical specimen
2. He is a very good header of the ball
sometimes he pops up like an old fashioned CF

Anyway these are the views of the 1970 panel.

 

[weststandyid]

He has some fine points (imho) that dont get discussed much.
1. He is a strong player I dont mean a fat git like Antonio or a bully but just a strong physical specimen
2. He is a very good header of the ball
sometimes he pops up like an old fashioned CF

Anyway these are the views of the 1970 panel.

antonio fat ?

 

[Wig]

His attacking instincts in the box are world class. That header is all about attacking the ball. It must be an absolute nightmare for defenders having Bale, Kane and Son to deal with now.

Bale fit and firing has made such a difference to our attacking threat. The first part of the season was all about Kane and Son linking up, but opposition defences became wise to nullifying their link-ups, and we can't expect two players to deliver every game. Bale coming into the first team has overloaded the defences - where they used to team up on one side to block Son, now there is more space on the other side for Bale to operate. The key to this is quick passing so defences can't get set.

Credit also to Sonny for continuing to work hard even though the spotlight isn't currently on him. The more Sonny is making those runs between the lines and pulling defenders wide, the more space Kane and Bale have. The commentators/pundits last night were saying that Son wouldn't be happy with just an assist and no goals, but if Bale continues to work hard just like Son has been, then the opportunities will open up in the same way for Son to score more.

Oh and let's not forget Lucas who deserves credit too. Bloody nightmare for defences to be trying to manage Son, Kane, Bale and then you have an explosive chaotic player like Lucas running right at you as well.

 

[George94]

Watching the highlights back and the quality of Bale's contributions tonight is exciting me. The first touch is back. I don't remember him getting tackled. I remember before Xmas thinking he was done as an RW as he couldn't beat his man. It clearly was just fitness and confidence.

What I've seen in the last two home games is a different Bale but still a top class one. In fact his improved movement in the box may actually end up being more valuable to us these days than that explosive pace he had.

All that chat about him not completing 90 mins anymore feels a moot point to me. If he's putting in a match winning shift for 60-70 mins that's plenty fine by me. That's what squads and subs are for. We just need to manage him carefully and the rewards will be there.

In fact the last two games Gareth has got us in the lead and then Lamela has come on and helped the team close the game out well. It's worked nicely.

Totally agree that the Lamela for Bale sub has worked really well last few games - Lamela's energy, closing down players etc definitely helps us. Think Lo Celso could have a similar effect off the bench when he's back fit.

 

[cjbyid]

Such a shame we're not in the stadium to witness him again.

Rolling back the years watching him at the moment.

 

[onthetwo]

thought his return was a DL vanity project....until the last few weeks. Never been happier to be proven wrong.
Bring on the NLD!
COYS!!!!

 

[bubble07]

How has it gone from "I'm not 21 anymore" to "I'm 31 and my body cant take it" rhetoric from the media?

 

[bubble07]

We just need to enjoy these moments. Not sure we will ever see a better front 3 than we currently have ever

 

[DJS]

Upgrade to fifa 21 for a tenner via fifa 20 loyalty offer and love sticking bale in team - you can see his little man bun as he zips up the pitch!

 

[DJS]

I also randomly (and a bit manically) chant BALE BALE BALE BALE as I’m running down the wing with him and was pissing around dribbling round my mates I’ve played and the back again!

So much more fun than fifa 20 just due to this!

I also quite like way the natty all yellow kit looks in the game.