Bale basking in Champions League glow
In the space of 90 minutes Tuesday, Gareth Bale tore apart the European champion, made a fool of the world's best right-back, gave Tottenham Hotspur one of its most memorable victories in history and changed his life.
Bale's swashbuckling performance against Inter Milan set up a memorable 3-1 triumph for Tottenham in Group A of the Champions League, and had praise pouring in from all quarters. But the real effect of the 21-year-old's powerful yet composed display at White Hart Lane will take some time to fully kick into gear.
Every now and then a player emerges with the right attributes and the right situation to spark a maelstrom of interest from Europe's biggest clubs. Right now, Bale ticks all the boxes, and Tottenham is going to have a fight on its hands to keep hold of him.
First of all, there is the concept of availability. Leading teams may covet players who emerge through the ranks at Manchester United or Real Madrid, but know there is little chance of luring them away. Tottenham, though, in its first season in the Champions' League group stages, is perceived as being more of a target, even though the North London club is not short of cash and has shown the willingness to invest heavily in its squad.
Then there is Bale's sudden development, which means he is hitting everyone's radar all at once. Back in January he was not even assured of a place in the Tottenham first team, and his transfer fee of $7.5 million, paid to Southampton three years ago, was in danger of looking like a waste of money.
A series of strong performances at the start of this season changed all that, but it has been the last two Champions League games – both against Inter – that has sent his reputation through the roof. A brilliant hat trick in a 4-3 defeat in Milan grabbed the headlines and Tuesday's display, even though he did not score himself, was even better.
Bale utterly tormented Maicon, Inter's exceptional Brazilian right-back, charging past him time and again and setting up the Spurs' second and third goals as the defending champion suffered a miserable night. His rapid rise to prominence raises the question of whether Bale can get even better – even more reason why the big boys will be ready to flash their checkbooks in Tottenham's direction.
Manchester United has promised Wayne Rooney it will spend money on new players, and Bale, whose power and pace on the left must remind boss Sir Alex Ferguson of a young Ryan Giggs, is certain to be on United's hit list.
One thing in Tottenham's favor is its foresight in handing Bale a new four-year contract back in May, which means it has some leverage in resisting the predators that soon will be lurking. One thing is certain, though: The days of Bale being able to operate with a degree of anonymity are over. He is now a genuine star – and will be subjected to the spotlight that comes with it.
"Everybody is scared of him," said Bale's teammate Rafael van der Vaart. "Maicon is one of the best defenders in the world, and he killed him. This club, everyone knows – we have to keep hold of [Bale]."
It is all a long way removed from Bale's international debut for Wales at age16, when he was so shy he barely spoke to his teammates and addressed even journalists in their 20s as "Mister."
There is still an endearing sense of humility about him now, a down-to-earth nature totally at odds with the complete confidence he shows on the field.
With Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp committed to playing an attacking and free-flowing style, White Hart Lane may well be the best place for Bale, especially if the club continues its impressive progress. Qualifying for the later rounds of the Champions League will help assure him that his career goals can be met in a familiar environment.
That won't stop the speculation and offers from coming in, though, both from the English Premier League and abroad. For the teams with money to spend, Bale is the flavor of the month, the ultimate must-have accessory.
Such is the power of the Champions League.
