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If you want to assess the impact that Gareth Bale has had on Tottenham, look at the fine form of Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn.
While Bale has not reached the heights of his previous stint at Spurs, unsurprisingly given the amount of football he missed in the past two years, his arrival has inspired others due to additional competition for the places he bring.
Bergwijn has not scored this season, but he remains an important cog in José Mourinho’s machine. He has had to improve his game and has responded to keep Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Bale out of the starting lineup.
Even Son wouldn’t have felt completely safe when Bale entered with great fanfare and also reacted the way Mourinho wanted with a flurry of goals.
The Spurs coach has come up with a system that works with Son on the right, Bergwijn on the left and both are capable of running behind defenders if Harry Kane falls deep and throws a pass.
His success has given Bale time to sharpen his match after staying out in the cold at Real Madrid.
He’s not the same player as when he mishandled Maicon at White Hart Lane and San Siro but, from a team perspective, it doesn’t really matter. The biggest benefit of having Bale is the impact he’s had on the rest of the front line.
And from what I’ve heard, the Welsh superstar has shown great attitude on training ground, showing the rest of the team that a four-time Champions League winner is prepared to push himself to the limit to make the Spurs squad.
Mourinho’s head hurts, but he won’t mind.
You will want players to push each other and not feel too comfortable.
Can Gabriel stop Kane?
Gabriel seeks the answer to Arsenal’s long-standing defensive woes, but Saturday is the ultimate test against the Spurs’ three forwards if Harry Kane plays as expected.
I am impressed with the way Gabriel has adapted. He has been Arsenal’s best player and has all the attributes one would like in a central half: fast, strong, he reads the game and he can come out with the ball.
However, the Spurs will be their hardest task yet due to Kane’s form and the way he also dives deep to build the game. It gives the opposition a tough decision, whether it’s pushing a defender forward to track him down or handing that responsibility to a midfielder.
Mikel Arteta has the dilemma of choosing three central halves or a rear four. Thomas Partey’s availability is important. It’s a proper shield in midfield, so when it starts Arsenal can sacrifice the extra middle half.
What helps the Arsenal manager is that Gabriel is at home in either system. If Arsenal play it in a three, they will have the cover to be more aggressive by engaging Kane higher up the field when necessary.
From what I’ve seen, the Brazilian likes physical battles and will enjoy work. But if Partey is assigned that role and Gabriel is placed in a back room, the Brazilian has the rhythm to do that job as well.
Arsenal’s tactic should be to condense the midfield and force the Spurs to open up.
Given that Arsenal are out, I would go for caution and play three in the back or have two midfielders.
Kane presents a unique challenge as he has a world-class No. 9 penalty area move and can pass the ball like a world-class No. 10. And if you ever throw a cross, there’s no one better to put your head on it. ! Now it’s your turn, Gabriel.
Crooked joseph
José Mourinho has always made tactical adjustments to use the available personnel and has done it again at Spurs with what I call his ‘crooked sides’.
He signed Sergio Reguilón in September and the Spanish left-back has great athleticism, a lot of energy and flies forward whenever he can.
Matt Doherty came from the Wolves with similar attributes on the right but, to protect the balance of the team, Mourinho often selects Serge Aurier, more defensive.
It gives Reguilon more license to bomb without fear of exposing the defense.
And Aurier has shown the discipline to time their runs and make sure the Spurs aren’t left with just two defenders behind.
They both deserve credit for making it work and Mourinho for developing a system that allows them to leverage their strengths.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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