Bale Hype - Justified?

Here's a little statistic for you. Yesterday, two former Southampton teammates played their 200th games for their current clubs. Both play in similar positions and both were chasing that elusive 20th goal. Gareth Bale was one, who was the other?

Admittedly, there may be some bias here but I will try to be as objective as I can. The media cream themselves over Bale. There are no two ways about it. Because he is from the British Isles he can do no wrong. I have to say that he is a great player, but that's because he's playing for a mediocre team. I wonder how well he would play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, up against some of the best defenders in the world like Dani Alves. I don't think it would work. He'd probably end up doing a Michael Owen and spend the rest of his career as an expensive benchwarmer.

I argue it like this, I believe that Messi is currently the best player in the world but Ronaldo is a better footballer. To make you understand, I'll say this: Ronaldo is more technically proficient with the ball than Messi is. Messi's just a goal machine. Ronaldo is not as selfish as people think. He plays for the team, which makes him invaluable. But, he has a darkside. That curse that has also stricken the media's beloved Bale. A disease that is best left to the likes of Tom Daley. I'm talking about diving.

Now, Ronaldo doesn't do it so much anymore, which is great, but the memories of him in the Premier League still stay with me. It's the same with Gareth Bale. Why does he feel the need to do it? It's cheating!

It really annoys me that the media in this country pander over him like he's the second coming. 'He's a young lad, he'll grow out of it.' On Wednesday, I will be the same age as him, I only dive in swimming pools. Agreed, I play less football than he does, but my point still stands. If he was a teenager, you could forgive him for his little discrepancies. But he isn't, he should have learnt that by now.

I think he could be a great footballer, he's already halfway there, all he really needs is a great club to play for and, I'm sorry Tottenham fans, Spurs just isn't a great club. However, Gareth Bale will never be a great player.

Walcott's better.


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