MX23RW : Thursday, December 12 20:55:37| >> :60:162:162:

Steve McManaman backs Gareth Bale to take Tottenham to another level

Steve McManaman says the Wales international has 'a lot of points to prove'.

Tottenham are ready to see the best of Gareth Bale, according to former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman.

Bale is nearing full fitness having eased his way back from a knee injury which meant his second spell in north London got off to a slow start.

There were signs before the international break that Bale was getting close to peak condition. He made a big impact by scoring the winning goal against Brighton and getting vital minutes with Wales over the last week will only help him further.

He is likely to be central to Jose Mourinho's plans for the heavyweight Premier League clash with Manchester City on Saturday and McManaman says the forward can help take Spurs to the next level.

"I think he'll have a huge impact because he hasn't lost any of his pace," said LaLiga ambassador McManaman, speaking at an event for LiveScore.

"I know he's had a few injuries at Real Madrid, but he also wasn't injured for a lot of the time – he just wasn't playing.

"I think he's ready to and has a lot of points to prove. I think it's a brilliant signing for Tottenham.

Bale, centre, has been getting some much needed minutes for Wales during the international break
Bale, centre, has been getting some much-needed minutes for Wales during the international break (Nick Potts/PA)

"When you think of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and then you throw Gareth into the mix as well, it automatically lifts that starting XI to another level.

"If he stays fit now and he plays 40 games for Tottenham, he'll definitely score 20 odd scores, and you just cannot buy those types of numbers.

"The fact that Tottenham have done a great deal bringing him, I think it's wonderful business I really do.

"If he stays fit, he'll certainly elevate Tottenham to another level in the Premier League and other competitions this season."

:: LaLiga ambassador Steve McManaman was speaking at an event for LiveScore, Official Global Scoring Partner of LaLiga Santander. LiveScore's iOS and Android app is available to download now: www.livescore.com/mobile

ID:422591: cacheID:422591:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:11635:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence pictured in August 2009
Read Next:
Peter Shilton pays tribute to "great all-round guy" Ray Clemence
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!