Gareth Bale should be deployed as No. 10 for Tottenham this season, says club legend Glenn Hoddle
Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves agreed, saying the Real Madrid loanee could be ‘unplayabale’ in a central role
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale should be deployed as a No. 10 for Tottenham this season, according to club legend Glenn Hoddle.
Bale, who returned to Spurs this summer in a loan move from Real Madrid, was stationed out on the right in his side’s 3-1 Europa League win over Ludogorets on Thursday evening.
The winger impressed throughout, and in one moment aided a Harry Kane assist for Lucas Moura’s goal with a perfectly-weighted through ball.
And former Spurs midfielder Hoddle was quick to suggest that the Wales international’s most significant contributions came from a more central position.
“He is looking sharper, he’s had more minutes on the pitch,” Hoddle told BT Sport.
“We can’t judge him yet. He’s not gonna be the same Bale that left Tottenham [in 2013].
“What we saw from him tonight – drifting into that pocket, hurting the opposition – that’s where I see him. I don’t see him on the right or left.
“Son [Heung-min], Bale and Kane is as good as any forward line in the country.”
Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves agreed with Hoddle’s assessment of Bale, saying: “He was closer to the goal, that’s where you want to see him.
“As Glenn said, that front three is as good as anything.
“In the hole, as a No, 10, [Bale] could be unplayable.”
Kane opened the scoring in the Group J match in Bulgaria with a header – his 200th goal for Tottenham in his 300th game for the club.
Lucas doubled the deficit before Claudiu Keseru pulled one back for Ludogorets, but Giovani Lo Celso rounded out the scoring following an assist from Son – just 17 seconds after the South Korea international had come off the bench.
The result leaves Tottenham top of their group on goal difference but level on points with second-placed Antwerp and third LASK, who beat their Dutch opposition on Thursday.
Ludogorets, meanwhile, are bottom of Group J with three defeats from three matches in the competition.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments