Is Gareth Bale A Tottenham Legend?

Can Gareth Bale be regarded as a Tottenham ‘Legend’ to be set alongside the likes of Danny Blanchflower, Dave Mackay, Jimmy Greaves, Pat Jennings, Steve Perryman, Glenn Hoddle, Gary Mabbutt and Ledley King?

Gareth Bale – a Tottenham ‘Legend’? [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]

Set aside your views, positive or negative, on the current uncertainty surrounding Gareth Bale’s future. We’ve heard and read the speculation in the media but in truth we don’t know what Bale’s thoughts are or what is going to happen over the coming days and weeks.

Gareth Bale has been a tremendous influence on Tottenham since establishing himself in the team in the second half of the 2009-10 season which culminated in a fourth place finish and qualification for the Champions League. His goals against Arsenal and Chelsea ignited Spurs for the final crucial games that season and the following year he carried on with performances in Europe which established him as a top class player. His performances against Inter Milan, a face-saving hat-trick in the away leg and an incredible display at White Hart Lane tore the Italian team’s defence to shreds. A great European night at the Lane.

Over the past two seasons Bale has produced memorable performances and outstanding goals while adapting his game from using his pace and power on he left of midfield to a player who can threaten and create havoc from all areas of the pitch. Last season he produced outstanding display after outstanding displayed coupled with a series of unbelievable goals which had a dramatic effect on the outcome of Spurs season as shown on the OptaJoe tweet.

Bale deservedly won the PA Young Player of the Year for the second time but also claimed the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards. Many memorable moments and goals from the past three and a half years of his 6 years at White Hart Lane clearly identify him as the best Spurs player for many, many years. He is so important to  Tottenham but is it enough, however, to put him into the Legendary category with the greats from the past?

Many players, past and present, have had their say on Bale in the past weeks. Matthew Le Tissier, a Southampton ‘Legend’ who like Bale came through the south coast club’s youth system, offered some advice to Bale regarding his future. Le Tissier who turned down the opportunity to join Spurs said he had no regrets about that and in a recent interview in the Daily Express he advised Bale to think carefully about his future and what is best for him. Le Tissier said,

"“Bale has to listen to what his heart is telling him and not make a move that is bad for him as a person. It is not such a bad option to stay and become the greatest player in a club’s history. Stay there. Become a legend like Glenn Hoddle.”"

Is Gareth Bale already a Tottenham ‘Legend’ or has he yet to meet the incredible standards set by the likes of Glenn Hoddle?

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