Gareth Bale’s dream return to Tottenham Hotspur hasn’t panned out how it was meant to be, it is safe to say.
The 31-year-old moved on loan to the club he was most adored at after a difficult period at Real Madrid under manager Zinedine Zidane, in which he became a background figure.
But Bale hasn’t been able to recapture the form he had in his first spell in North London or the qualities he displayed in his first few seasons with Madrid.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Spurs’ recent 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, Wales’ captain could be seen with his head in his hands as Eric Lamela and Lucas Moura were sent on in his place.
He wasn’t introduced at all and it was another game in which he had to settle for a place on the bench as an unused substitute.
When asked why Bale didn’t come off the bench, Bale’s club boss JMourinho replied: ‘Good question but I don’t think you deserve an answer.”
For all of the criticism of how Zidane managed Bale last season, a surprising statistic has emerged.
Bale had actually played more minutes at this point last season compared to where what he has played now.
In four competitions for Spurs this season, Bale has played just 783 minutes.
His contribution to Spurs has seen him score four goals, all in four separate competitions. He has yet to earn an assist however.
Compare that to last season and Bale had racked up 1026 minutes for Real Madrid.
His goal contribution is lesser though, in those appearances he had earned two goals and two assists across three competitions.
With EURO 2020 on the horizon, it is important that Bale earns more minutes for Tottenham to help him perform for Wales.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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