Source: Daily_Mail
Spurs are slowly killing Bale and I'd love to bring him to Ajax, insists ex-Tottenham boss Jol
Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol says he would love to sign Gareth Bale and says the north London club are in danger of ruining the Welshman's talent if they continue to not play him.
Jol, now manager of Ajax, bought Bale from Southampton two years ago, but the 20-year-old has been out of favour with Harry Redknapp and holds the embarrassing record of never having been on a winning side in his 23 Premier League games for the club.
With speculation mounting over the Welshman's future at the club, Jol says he would love to bring the left back to Holland and insists Bale can still have a great career.
'I remember seeing him for the first time when he was 15 or 16,' said the Dutchman, who guided Spurs to two fifth-place finishes. 'I saw those free-kicks, the corner kicks, the way he was up and down. He had that talent and he still has. Put it like this, I would love to have him.'
And Jol said he was influential in Bale's decision to come to White Hart Lane rather than other bigger clubs.
'When I got Gareth, I promised his mum I would play him. That's why he came to Tottenham because there was another choice for him, maybe people didn't know that. But I knew he was good enough to play and he would get better by playing because he his a fantastic, one of the best talents on the left flank in Europe.
'Maybe a lot was expected of him at such a young age but it depends want you want from him. Attacking-wise he is a big talent but that isn't the only thing. He has a few things he has to improve on, as all youngsters do, but they only come from experience.
'I don't think people should worry about his future. He's at a great club but also somewhere where you have to be 100 per cent, you have to defend 100 per cent and always be at your best. But he must play games, that is simple. If he plays games he will get better.
'Going abroad could be a good thing if he plays because that is the most important thing.'
Injury has ruined Bale's time at Tottenham. In two seasons he has made just 39 appearances after a long period out with an ankle injury.
And summer knee surgery could further delay his comeback, allowing Benoit Assou-Ekotto to tighten his grip on the left-sided defensive role.
