Bale acted too fast, says Le Tissier
While Friday's news of Gareth Bale's signing with Tottenham was welcomed by many, one former Southampton great believes defender Bale has made the wrong decision. Matt Le Tissier said Bale would benefit from staying on with the Saints, instead of going to Spurs in a transfer that may be worth up to GBP10 million (HK$155.3 million).
Le Tissier, who is in Hong Kong for the Philips Lighting International Soccer Sevens, thought the 17-year-old should have remained with Southampton.
'I would certainly like him to stay for at least one more season,' Le Tissier said. 'I think as a young boy it's important he has a good grounding in the game before he actually moves on.'
Tottenham viewed the situation in a different light.
'I think everyone has different opinions, that's football, isn't it?' Spurs squad member Phil Ifil said. 'I would say it's too early, but if he thinks it's a good move for him, then it is. He'll improve anyway, obviously playing at the highest level.'
Ifil, aged 20, has been with Tottenham for 10 years and has made five appearances with the senior team, including his debut against Liverpool when he was 17.
Former Spurs great, Clive Allen, who is coaching the sevens team in Hong Kong, said that Bale would now have the opportunity to develop with the Spurs.
'We feel he's done exceptionally well with Southampton but he obviously feels himself that it's the time to move to Spurs and we're delighted with that,' Allen said. 'I'm sure he will develop playing for us.'
Allen said that Tottenham have been in a similar situation before with young players such as Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone. Tottenham were successful at properly developing those players into first-team regulars.
However Le Tissier used the case of Theo Walcott, who moved from Southampton to Arsenal last year as an example on why he thought Bale should stay another year.
'I think Theo moved a bit early and he has gone backwards a little since he's been at Arsenal and I hope Gareth doesn't do the same.'
Allen disagreed with Le Tissier's comment.
'You need to ask Theo whether he thinks he stepped back,' Allen said. 'I'm sure he wouldn't feel that.'
Differences aside, all seemed to agree that the choice was ultimately up to Bale.
'I think [Bale] sees a big opportunity with the Spurs and we know what a big talent he is and obviously we've made our move,' Allen said.
