Redknapp tips Bale for top but faces defensive headache for Twente visit
TOTTENHAM vs FC TWENTE
Sky Sports 2, ko 7.45pm
TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp expects Gareth Bale to become the world’s best left-back – but is happy to wait while he terrorises defences himself. Bale, 21, has carried last season’s scintillating form into the current campaign and will be expected to pose much of the Spurs threat when Dutch champions FC Twente arrive at White Hart Lane tonight.
“I think in years to come, he’ll be the best left-back anywhere,” said Redknapp. “But he’s also a great left-sided player and it suits me to play him wide left most of the time because [Benoit] Assou-Ekotto is also a top, top-class left-back.”
Redknapp has a defensive injury crisis, with both William Gallas and Michael Dawson out, meaning Sebastien Bassong will be partnered by either Ledley King or erstwhile full-back Vedran Corluka. And he admits he is also struggling to balance European and domestic commitments, having won just twice in six Premier League games.
“The biggest problem you have is probably getting the players up for league games after the Champions League,” he added. “You have to juggle around your team and when you keep changing your team, it makes it difficult to get continuity.”