Bale flattered by comparison

Tottenham star Gareth Bale has denied modelling his game on Cristiano Ronaldo's but says he is flattered to be compared to the Real Madrid man.

Last Updated: 28/02/13 at 15:52 Post Comment

Gareth Bale: Has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo

Gareth Bale: Has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo

Bale has become one of the hottest properties in European football this season thanks to a series of scintillating displays for club and country.

The 23-year-old has scored 23 goals in total this term, leading to speculation that Real Madrid have made him their number one transfer target for the summer.

Bale's powerful cutting runs, and his ability to bamboozle goalkeepers with logic-defying free-kicks have led to him being compared with the biggest superstar currently on the books at the Bernabeu - Ronaldo.

Tottenham's talisman says he is honoured to be mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi, although he claims to be unaware of just how much of a stir his superb performances have caused this season.

"I think anybody would love to be mentioned alongside the best in the world," Bale said in an interview with Sport magazine, which is out on Friday.

"It's flattering, but I don't really look too much into it. I don't get the newspapers or read too many reports, so I don't really know how much hype there is. Obviously my friends tell me things, but I just treat every day as normal and focus on my job.

"I don't model my game on Ronaldo's. I have my own way of playing and it's not exactly the same but we do have similar attributes. I just like watching the best players: seeing Messi and Ronaldo. I've watched Ronaldo in the past and you do take things from other people's games to try to improve as a player, which I have - hopefully."

Bale grabbed the world's attention in 2010 when he scored a thrilling hat-trick against Inter Milan in the San Siro and then went on to embarrass Maicon with a breathtaking display in the reverse fixture.

Some doubted whether Bale could improve much more following those two games, but his game has come on immeasurably since.

The former Southampton player now operates in just as devastating fashion down the centre as he does out wide and he has almost doubled his tally from the 2010-11 season with at least 13 games remaining.

Bale says Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has played a significant part in his development, improving his tactical awareness since the days of the previous manager Harry Redknapp.

"Harry was more 'go out there and play how you feel and express yourself'. With Andre, there's a certain shape and a style we play," Bale said.

"I think Harry was more free and let you do what you want. Andre does that too, but there's a lot more tactical work. I think it's something that's good to learn. We've done well this year and I think that's down to our defending as well as attacking."

Villas-Boas and Bale face a huge test of their Champions League credentials this weekend when they face Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

Spurs will move seven points ahead of their bitter rivals in the race for Champions League qualification if they win.

Tottenham were thumped 5-2 in the reverse fixture three months ago, thanks partly to Emmanuel Adebayor's early dismissal.

Bale thinks the big defeat will have no bearing on the outcome of Sunday's match against the Gunners, who have finished above their neighbours every year since 1995.

Bale added: "I don't think the 5-2 score really affects this game. We had 10 men for 73 minutes, which isn't easy - especially at the Emirates against probably one of the best footballing teams.

"We just want to take all three points in this one, especially being at home. It's a massive game and Arsenal are probably the one team we want to beat more than anything.

"[We've] got stronger every year since I've been here. I think the standard of players is going up and up. We're still progressing now, and hopefully there's a lot more to come."

Well Bale has already got the same stupid greasy hair as Ronaldo.
- themoo

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