Life’s a Pitch: An exclusive interview with Gareth Bale

Given his scintillating recent form, some claim Tottenham’s Gareth Bale is on his way to reaching the talents of superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. And with 17 goals already to his name this season for Spurs – six in his past four matches – the Welsh winger is in the middle of a particularly devastating purple patch.

Which all added up to perfect timing for Life’s a Pitch to secure the heavily in-demand star for an exclusive interview before Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Lyon. Mike Calvin and Gareth discussed his current form, just how far this exciting Spurs team can go, and – crucially, given his two breathtaking free-kicks against Lyon on Thursday night – the technique behind these wonderful set-pieces.

And talking about wonderful free kicks, Gareth put forward his case why Ronaldo – the original exponent of the dipping shot he is learning to perfect – is better than Lionel Messi.

Another comparison with Ronaldo is the development of both players’ games. The Portuguese began life out wide before becoming the potent, roaming forward we see today. Gareth’s role has become more fluid in recent times too as he looks to exploit the space in the centre of the field and Life’s a Pitch pundit Adrian Clarke expects Tottenham boss André Villas-Boas to start employing Gareth in a more attacking role from now on.

Focusing on another London club, Life’s a Pitch pundit Martin Lipton claimed Rafa Benítez would get the boot if his Chelsea side were unable to beat Wigan last weekend. Luckily for the Spaniard, the Blues were victorious and he lives on to fight another day. You suspect many Chelsea fans had mixed feelings about the result.

An exposé into racism in football this week created a storm at Millwall. Mike Calvin, who spent a year embedded with the club while writing a book about their fortunes, sought to defend Millwall’s reputation by highlighting the work they have done to eradicate racism from their club.

Elsewhere, we look at the impact January signing Daniel Sturridge has made at Liverpool, the chances of success of many other winter acquisitions, and the most likely destination of supposedly Premier League-bound José Mourinho.

Exclusive interview: Gareth Bale

Man of the moment Gareth Bale talks Spurs, AVB, free-kicks and why he rates Ronaldo more highly than Messi in this exclusive interview.
Gareth Bale interview >

Expert pundit videos

“If Chelsea don’t beat Wigan, Rafa Benítez will go”

Could the embattled Chelsea boss be getting the boot this weekend? The Life’s A Pitch panel discuss.
Dead man walking >

“Sturridge feels loved at Liverpool and he needed that”

Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool are giving off good vibes at the moment. The Life’s a Pitch panel take a closer look at why that is.
The main man >

“Chelsea fans want Mourinho, I just don’t see it happening”

When it come to the next Chelsea boss, it could be anyone. But the Life’s a Pitch boys know who the Chelsea fans want.
Return of the Special One? >

“If QPR turn into Leeds or Portsmouth, it’s Fernandes’ fault”

Has QPR’s January spending spree pushed them closer to a financial precipice? Life’s A Pitch discusses the issues.
A gamble too far? >

Lively opinion blogs

Is Michael Laudrup the perfect match for Chelsea?

With Benítez doomed and the King’s Road clamour for Mourinho gathering pace, Graham Ruthven believes a better alternative already exists in the Premier League.
Mr Perfect? >

Millwall Football Club: the truth

Mike Calvin passionately defends the name and actions of a club that has once again been accused of institutional racism.
Another perspective >

Grounded Gareth would be better off staying with Spurs

Does player of the moment Gareth Bale really need the upheaval of a move to Madrid this summer? Mike Calvin argues that leaving Spurs might not suit him…
Stay put >

Where will José Mourinho end up next season?

A new lead role awaits the Special One, irrespective of how he fares against Manchester United. Mike Calvin studies the Real Madrid gaffer’s options
Where next for José? >

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