Bale dismisses Ronaldo comparisons

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has dismissed suggestions that he models his game on Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has dismissed suggestions that he models his game on Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Wales international has been in the form of his life this season, scoring 15 goals in 23 appearances to help Spurs up to third in the Premier League.

But while the 23-year-old admits it is ‘flattering’ that his performances have led to comparisons with former Manchester United wide man Ronaldo, he insisted he is not attempting to emulate the Portuguese.

“I think anybody would love to be mentioned alongside the best in the world,” Bale told Sport magazine.

“It’s flattering, but I don’t really look too much into it. I don’t get the newspapers or read too many reports, so I don’t really know how much hype there is. Obviously my friends tell me things, but I just treat every day as normal and focus on my job.

“I don’t model my game on Ronaldo’s. I have my own way of playing and it’s not exactly the same but we do have similar attributes.

“I just like watching the best players: seeing Messi and Ronaldo. I’ve watched Ronaldo in the past and you do take things from other people’s games to try to improve as a player, which I have – hopefully.”

Bale went on to underline the importance of the tactical tweaks he has made to his game under the guidance of Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas.

“Harry was more ‘go out there and play how you feel and express yourself’. With Andre, there’s a certain shape and a style we play,” he said.

“I think Harry was more free and let you do what you want. Andre does that too, but there’s a lot more tactical work. I think it’s something that’s good to learn. We’ve done well this year and I think that’s down to our defending as well as attacking.”