Spurs boss: Bale is in the same league as Messi, Ronaldo and others

Monday, February 11, 2013
8:15 AM

Tottenham head coach Andre Villas-Boas, who last week compared Gareth Bale to Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, thinks the former Southampton man is one of the most accomplished players on the planet.

The 23-year-old had set Spurs on their way to victory with a fine 25-yard free-kick which dipped over the wall and beyond Krul in the fifth minute.

“He’s on a par with the best players in the world,” the 35-year-old said of Bale, who has scored 19 goals for club and country this term.

“He has really helped the team with his goals this year.

“The player is getting the best out his great individual season by scoring and obviously he has a great motivation and I think he is enjoying playing.

“Ronaldo plays more on the left and comes in on his left foot, with Gareth we’ve tried to use him on the right a couple of times and through the middle.

“When he plays down the middle it gives him so much freedom, so many options he is able to enjoy it.

“It doesn’t mean we will always stick with that position but I think he is such a good player he is able to play in different roles and positions.”