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| clubs2 = [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
| clubs2 = [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
| caps2 = 101
| caps2 = 101
| goals2 = 25
| goals2 = 21<ref name = OG>Excluding the "goal" scored against Fulham on 6 November 2011, later ruled as an "own goal" by the Dubious Goals Panel.{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/dubious-goals-panel-ruling.html |title=Dubious Goals Panel rulings |publisher=Premier League |date=12 January 2012 |accessdate=4 February 2012}}</ref>
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2006
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2006
| nationalteam1 = [[Wales national under-17 football team|Wales U17]]
| nationalteam1 = [[Wales national under-17 football team|Wales U17]]

Revision as of 12:04, 16 February 2012

Gareth Bale
Personal information
Full name Gareth Frank Bale[1]
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Left winger / Left back
Team information
Current team
 Tottenham Hotspur
Number 3
Youth career
2005–2006 Southampton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2007 Southampton 40 (5)
2007– Tottenham Hotspur 101 (25)
International career‡
2005–2006 Wales U17 4 (1)
2006 Wales U19 1 (0)
2006–2008 Wales U21 13 (3)
2006– Wales 33 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:05, 12 February 2012 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16 November 2011

Gareth Frank Bale (born 16 July 1989) is a Welsh footballer who plays for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Wales national team.

Bale began his professional career at Southampton, playing at left back, earning acclaim as a free kick specialist. Since transferring to Spurs in 2007, managerial and tactical shifts have seen him transform into a more offensively-oriented player. Recently, Bale has played an integral role in Tottenham's success domestically and in the Champions League.[3][4][5]

Early life

Bale was born in Cardiff to parents Frank, a school caretaker, and Debbie, an operations manager;[6] he attended Eglwys Newydd Primary School at Whitchurch.[7] He is the nephew of former Cardiff City footballer Chris Pike.[8] It was while at this school he first came to the attention of Southampton at nine years old, when he was playing in a six-a-side tournament with his first club, Cardiff Civil Service Football Club.[9] Growing up his football hero was fellow Welshman and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.[10]

Bale then attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff.[11] There, as well as football, he played rugby and hockey and athletics. As a 14 year old he says that he ran the 100 metre sprint in 11.4 seconds.[10] Because of his superior footballing skill, the school's PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to write special rules which restricted Bale to playing one-touch football and not using his left foot. Whilst at Whitchurch, Bale trained at Southampton's satellite academy in Bath, although there was initially some doubt if Southampton would give him a scholarship due to his height.[6]

Despite being only 16 at the time, he helped the school's under-18 side win the Cardiff & Vale Senior Cup. He left school in the summer of 2005 with a Grade A in PE amongst his GCSE results. In his final year at school, he was awarded the PE department's prize for services to sport. In the presentation, Morris commented:

"Gareth has a fierce determination to succeed and has the character and qualities to achieve his personal goals. He is one of the most unselfish individuals that I have had the pleasure to help educate."[12]

Club career

Southampton

On 17 April 2006, at the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for Southampton (after Theo Walcott, who was 132 days younger) when he made his debut in the Saints' 2-0 victory against Millwall. On 6 August, Bale scored his first league goal, a free kick, to level the score at 1–1 against Derby County. The final score at Pride Park was 2–2.[13]

He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry City[14] in the team's second game of the 2006–07 season with another free kick. Bale further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion.[15] By 16 December 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland[16] and free-kicks away to Hull[17] and at home to Norwich City.

In December 2006, he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year,[18] and was named the Football League Young Player of the Year on 4 March 2007.[19] This capped what was described in the local press as an "incredible" first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' "most creative players even (though operating) from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed."[20]

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007. Bale suffered an injury during the second half, preventing him from appearing in the second leg.[21][22] In total, he made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur with Spurs paying an initial £5 million for Bale, potentially rising to £10 million based on appearances and success.[23] However, Tottenham paid Southampton an early settlement payment of £2 million in 2008 to reduce the final fee to £7 million and allow the Saints the immediate cash that they desperately needed.

2007–08

He played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St. Patrick's Athletic on 12 July 2007, but was substituted on the 80th minute with a minor dead-leg. He made his competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 26 August away against Manchester United. In just his second Spurs appearance, he scored his first goal for Tottenham in the 3–3 draw with Fulham on 1 September when he latched on to Robbie Keane's flick, charged down the left flank unopposed and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Antti Niemi.[24] Bale went on to score again against Arsenal in the North London Derby, scoring a free kick inside the near post.[25] He then scored in the League Cup home tie against Middlesbrough,[26] making it three goals in four starts for the then 18-year-old. He also set up Spurs' goal against Anorthosis Famagusta in the UEFA Cup.

Bale was substituted after sustaining an injury resulting from a tackle from Fabrice Muamba in the league fixture against Birmingham City on 2 December 2007. A scan revealed that Bale had suffered ligament damage to his right ankle, consigning him to an extended period on the sidelines. Spurs' sporting director Damien Comolli announced in February 2008 that Bale would miss the rest of the season through injury.[27]

2008–09

He signed a new four-year deal with the club in August 2008.[28] Bale was given the number 3 shirt for the 2008-09 season, which left previous number 3 Lee Young-Pyo without a squad number. After some poor performances, Bale was dropped in favour of Benoît Assou-Ekotto and the latter remained first-choice for most of the season.

2009–10

After playing a record 24 Premier League games for Spurs without being on the winning side,[29][30] Bale's first ever involvement in a Premier League victory came against Burnley on 26 September 2009 – more than two years after signing for Spurs – when he came on as an 85th minute substitute.[31]

In June 2009, Bale underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out for over two months. He missed pre-season matches and it was projected that he would miss the first few weeks of the 2009–10 season.[32] On 26 September, he made his comeback as a substitute in the Spurs' 5–0 thrashing of Burnley. However, he endured a frustrating time on the bench as Benoît Assou-Ekotto was in good form. When Assou-Ekotto was sidelined with an injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Bale a chance and he impressed in the Spurs' FA Cup third-round 4–0 win over Peterborough.[33] He finally tasted victory for the first time as a starter in a league game in the 2–0 win over London rivals Fulham on 26 January 2010.[34] His good form continued and he was named Player of the Round after helping the Spurs to a 3–1 win in the sixth round replay of the FA Cup against Fulham.[35] In April 2010, Bale scored another goal against Arsenal after a pass from Defoe he tapped the ball past the Arsenal keeper.[36] Three days later, Bale slammed in Tottenham's second with his weaker right foot in a 2–1 victory over leaders Chelsea and was named Man of the Match.[37] He was named Barclays Player of the Month for April.[38] He signed a new four-year contract at White Hart Lane on 7 May 2010 as a reward for helping the club reach the Champions League qualification place.[39]

2010–11

On 21 August, Bale scored twice in a 2–1 win at Stoke City, the second of which was a head-high volley into the top right hand corner of the goal.[40] On 25 August, Bale set up all four goals to help Spurs overcome Young Boys 4–0 (6–3 agg.) in a Champions League play-off at White Hart Lane.[41] Although Assou-Ekotto had already returned from injury, Bale continued his good form and cemented his place in the starting eleven, moving forward to left wing to accommodate Assou-Ekotto at left back. On 29 September 2010, Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham in a 4–1 home win against Dutch champions FC Twente in their second game of the group stages. In recognition, he was named Welsh Player of the Year by the FAW.[42] On 20 October, Bale scored his first senior hat trick against European champions Internazionale at the San Siro in the Champions League. Tottenham lost the match 4–3, having been 4–0 down inside the first 35 minutes and playing with ten men for over 80 minutes of the match after goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had been sent off in the eighth minute for a professional foul on Inter's Jonathan Biabiany.[43] In the return match at White Hart Lane on 2 November, Bale provided a man of the match performance, setting up goals for Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko to earn Spurs a memorable 3–1 win.[44]

On 4 November, Bale stated that he intended to remain at Tottenham for the remainder of his recently-signed four-year contract, despite reported interest from other clubs.[45] On 19 March 2011, Tottenham announced Bale had extended his stay at the club until 2015.[46]

On 17 April 2011, Bale was honoured with the PFA Player of the Year award, as voted for by his peers.[47]. Amidst rumours linking him with Chelsea , Barcelona and a host of clubs, Bale decided to stay at White Hart Lane.

2011–12

He scored his first goal of the season on 24 September 2011, in an away game against Wigan Athletic.[48] The game ended in a 2–1 victory for Tottenham. He added his second and third goals of the season on 30 October with two goals against Queens Park Rangers in a 3–1 home win.[49] He continued his good form with the first goal in a 3–1 victory over Fulham the following week, whilst also setting up Aaron Lennon who made it 2–0 on the stroke of half time.[50] The first goal against Fulham was later ruled by the "dubious goals committee" to be an own goal by Chris Baird.[51] On 3 December, Bale scored the first goal in Tottenham's 3–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. He marked the goal with a tribute to Gary Speed by holding up his left boot, with "R.I.P Gary Speed" stitched on it, in front of the Bolton fans.[52] On 27 December, Bale scored twice to give Tottenham a 2–0 win against Norwich City.[53] On 5 January 2012, Bale was announced as one of the players voted into the UEFA Team of the Year 2011. He scored his third brace of the season as he scored twice against Wigan on 31 January to take his tally to ten goals for the season.[54] In January 2012 he was announced as the January Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in his career, after three goals and two assists in the Premier League for the month.[55]

Style of play

Bale originally started out playing as left back, but because of his great pace and dribbling skills, he was moved forward to play as a left winger.[citation needed]

On 2 November 2010, after a Champions League group stage match against Internazionale, teammate Rafael van der Vaart said, "Everyone is scared of him [Bale]. Maicon is one of the best defenders in the world, and he's killed him."[56][57]

In a report of the same match, Spanish newspaper El Mundo said:

Bale combines the height and build of an 800-metre runner like Steve Ovett with the acceleration and directness of a rugby winger like Bryan Habana. And, when he gets to the byline, he delivers curling crosses like a Brazilian. Big words? Yes, but that's what Bale is like – easily the greatest sensation in the opening month and a half of the Champions League. Ask Maicon what he thinks after the two exhibitions Bale turned in against Inter. Yesterday he left Maicon for dead and then a wily old fox like Lúcio was left in his wake like someone trying to follow the vapour trail of an aeroplane. Three goals and two assists — against the European champions. His performances have been stunning.[58]

Following Bale's two goals against Norwich City on 27 December 2011, manager Harry Redknapp said:

If we sell him, we've had it haven't we? It would only be a Barcelona, a Man City or a Real Madrid who would be able to pay for him. He's an amazing player. He's got everything, there's not a weakness in his make-up. He can head the ball, he's as strong as an ox, he can run, dribble and shoot. Most important of all, he's a smashing lad.[5][59]

International career

Wales

Bale was selected by Wales at the end of the 2005–06 season and made his international debut on 27 May 2006.[60] He first appeared as a substitute in a 2–1 win over Trinidad and Tobago, making him the youngest ever player to play for Wales.[61] Bale, who was just 16 years and 315 days, assisted the winning goal scored by Robert Earnshaw.

Brian Flynn commented that Bale was potentially a future star of the game, comparing his technical ability to that of Ryan Giggs.[62] On 7 October 2006, Bale became the youngest player ever to score a goal for the full Welsh national team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a trademark free kick.[63] He scored his second goal for Wales in a 3–0 win over San Marino on 28 March 2007.

Bale was eligible to play for England through his grandmother, but he stated in 2007 that:

"It is an honour to play for Wales... Nobody ever got in touch with me personally from England, only through my agent."[64]

After a long injury lay-off, he returned and started in the World Cup qualifier against Finland on 10 October 2009.[65] On 14 October, he played a part in Wales' final World Cup qualifier by setting up David Vaughan to score the opening goal against Liechtenstein and won the free kick that led to the second, Aaron Ramsey's first at senior level.[66]

In December 2010, Bale was awarded the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year trophy.[67]

Bale was called up to the Wales squad for the first time under Gary Speed to play against Australia on 10 August 2011. He previously missed the last four internationals with injury.[68]

Great Britain

Bale, who meets the age criteria to play in the 2012 London Olympics, said he would "love to play in the Olympics" for the Great Britain Olympic football team, in defiance of the Welsh FA.[69] On 28 October 2011 Bale became the first player to be photographed modelling the British 2012 London Olympics football supporters' shirt. In response, Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "Our position remains unchanged. We are not for Team GB. Gareth can make his own choices and make his own decisions. But we are not going to stop anyone playing." On behalf of Gareth Bale a spokesman said "while he is 100% Welsh, he is also British".[70]

International goals

Scores and results list. Wales' goal tally first.
Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 7 October 2006 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales  Slovakia 1 – 2 1 – 5 Euro 2008 qualifying
2. 28 March 2007 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales  San Marino 2 – 0 3 – 0 Euro 2008 qualifying
3. 12 October 2010 St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland   Switzerland 1 – 1 1 – 4 Euro 2012 qualifying
4. 7 October 2011 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales   Switzerland 2 – 0 2 – 0 Euro 2012 qualifying
5. 11 October 2011 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria  Bulgaria 1 – 0 1 – 0 Euro 2012 qualifying
6. 12 November 2011 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales  Norway 1 – 0 4 – 1 Friendly

Career statistics

As of 13 February 2012[71]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other1 Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Southampton 2005–06 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
2006–07 38 5 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 43 5
Total 40 5 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 45 5
Tottenham Hotspur 2007–08 8 2 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 12 3
2008–09 16 0 2 0 5 0 7 0 0 0 30 0
2009–10 23 3 8 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 34 3
2010–11 30 7 1 0 0 0 11 4 0 0 42 11
2011–12 2 24 9 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 26 10
Total 101 21 11 0 9 1 23 5 0 0 144 27
Career Total 141 26 12 0 12 1 23 5 1 0 189 32

1 Includes Football League Championship play-offs

2 The Spurs goal tally excludes the "goal" scored against Fulham on 6 November 2011, later ruled as an "own goal".[51]

Honours

Club

Southampton Academy

Individual

References

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  2. ^ "Gareth Bale player profile". UEFA. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  3. ^ "Riise: Bale is world's best left winger". ESPNsoccernet. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  4. ^ "Fabio - Bale is world's best". Sky Sports. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Gareth Bale has everything says Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp". BBC Sport. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  6. ^ a b Rollings, Grant. "Bale Model". London: The Sun. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  7. ^ "Hall Of Fame". Eglwys Newydd Primary School. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  8. ^ "Bluebirds of a feather are flocking together". South Wales Echo. Wales Online. Retrieved 8 December 2008.
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  10. ^ a b Harvey, Chris (31 January 2011). "Gareth Bale interview: born to run". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
  11. ^ "Powerleague Official Opening". Whitchurch High School. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  12. ^ Young Gareth made own rules. The Daily Echo. 13 January 2007. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  13. ^ "Derby 2 Southampton 2". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
  14. ^ "Saints 2 Coventry 0". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
  15. ^ "Saints 0 West Brom 0". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
  16. ^ "Sunderland 1 Saints 1". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
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  18. ^ a b "Calzaghe scoops BBC Wales honour". BBC Sport. 3 December 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
  19. ^ "Prestige award for Bale". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 5 March 2007.
  20. ^ Leitch, Adam (2007). "Introducing your Saints heroes...". Daily Echo: p. 20. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |pages= has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ "Southampton 1–2 Derby". BBC Sport. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 3 June 2007.
  22. ^ "Bale KO'd for two weeks". Southern Daily Echo. 13 April 2007. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ "Tottenham complete Bale transfer". BBC Sport. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  24. ^ Mercer, Nathan (1 September 2007). "Fulham 3–3 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2007.
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  28. ^ "Bale signs new Tottenham contract". BBC Sport. 13 August 2008. Retrieved 13 August 2008.
  29. ^ Wilson, Steve (15 January 2009). "The curse of Tottenham's Gareth Bale". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 10 May 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ Soneji, Pranav (9 May 2009). "Everton 0–0 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
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  33. ^ Hytner, David (13 January 2010). "Tottenham manager challenges Gareth Bale to claim a starting place". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
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  40. ^ Lyon, Sam (21 August 2010). "Stoke 1–2 Tottenham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
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  55. ^ "Swansea boss Brendan Rogers & Tottenham's Gareth Bale rewarded" BBC Sport. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  56. ^ Jason Burt, Redknapp happy to talk as Figo drools over wonder winger, The Daily Telegraph, 3 November 2010, p. S3.
  57. ^ "Van der Vaart: Bale 'killed' Maicon in Spurs win". soccernet. 2 November 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  58. ^ Christenson, Marcus (3 November 2010). "Gareth Bale hailed by European press for 'destroying' Maicon". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  59. ^ Winter, Henry (29 December 2011). "Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale flourishing in inside role as club chase Premier League glory". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
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  61. ^ "Injured Bale out for three months". BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
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  63. ^ Davies, Sean (7 October 2006). "Wales 1–5 Slovakia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 January 2007.
  64. ^ "Bale: I could have played for England but playing for Wales is an honour". The Daily Mail. London. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  65. ^ "Wales whimper in Helsinki". Sky Sports. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  66. ^ "Liechtenstein 0–2 Wales". BBC Sport. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  67. ^ BBC Sport
  68. ^ "Gary Speed welcomes Gareth Bale's Wales return". BBC Sport. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  69. ^ Draper, Rob (26 December 2010). "Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale move closer to Olympic contention with Great Britain team". London: Daily Mail. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
  70. ^ Pearce, James (28 October 2011). "London 2012: Gareth Bale wears Olympic football shirt". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
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  73. ^ "Bale claims public vote". Football Association. 1 March 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
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  76. ^ "Gareth Bale named Wales' player of the year". BBC Sport. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 4 October 2010.
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Preceded by BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year
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Preceded by PFA Players' Player of the Year
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