Steven Bergwijn says Tottenham once had an attacker who was even better than Thierry Henry
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League season has begun with considerable challenges, as they find themselves in 10th place after the first 11 games. Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled to find consistency, yet they remain only three points behind Arsenal.
The league has seen slow starts for several teams, creating a narrow gap between many positions in the table. Tottenham’s current standing reflects a mix of both encouraging performances and costly defeats, such as their losses to Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, which have highlighted areas needing improvement.
The following table illustrates Tottenham’s current position among closely ranked competitors:
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8. Newcastle | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| 9. Aston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 18 |
| 10. Tottenham | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 16 |
| 11. Brentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 16 |
| 12. Bournemouth | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 15 |
A single game could potentially shift Tottenham’s trajectory, especially with the team’s inconsistency casting different shades on their season.
Internally, Spurs’ management and supporters believe in Postecoglou’s vision, though the project requires time and patience. Experienced players need to step up, providing stability and leadership on the field.
One name that inevitably comes to mind is Gareth Bale, a former Tottenham player whose influence and skillset could be incredibly beneficial in the current lineup.
Former Spurs winger Steven Bergwijn, now playing in the Saudi Pro League, recently shared his admiration for Bale. Speaking to GOAL, Bergwijn discussed his respect for the Welsh icon, who he encountered during Bale’s loan return to Tottenham in the 2020/21 season.
In a social media challenge, Bergwijn participated in a winner-stays-on game where he chose between various football legends. Bale emerged victorious in Bergwijn’s selections, surpassing players like Mohamed Salah and Wayne Rooney and ultimately even Thierry Henry, a decision that surprised many.
Bergwijn’s choice underscores the lasting impact Bale left, not only at Tottenham but across European football.
In fact, Didier Drogba recently paid tribute to Henry’s talents in a similar social media challenge, highlighting how even greats are compared through such games. Bergwijn’s selection of Bale over Henry speaks volumes about his regard for Bale’s unique abilities and his influence as a teammate.
The 2020/21 season was challenging for Tottenham, yet Bale showcased his class despite limited starts under then-manager Jose Mourinho.
Bale’s ability to deliver even as a rotational player demonstrated his world-class capabilities and impact. For Bergwijn, who struggled to find form during his time at Tottenham, Bale’s return provided inspiration.
Although Bergwijn didn’t enjoy the same level of success, his perspective on Bale’s talent was clear. In 2020, he expressed his appreciation for Bale, calling him a “world-class player” and emphasizing how valuable it was to have a player of his caliber on the team.
Bale’s presence added depth to the squad, giving Tottenham an additional goal-scoring threat and versatile options in attack.
A comparison of key stats from the 2020/21 season highlights Bale’s impressive contributions despite his limited role compared to Bergwijn:
| Season | Gareth Bale | Steven Bergwijn |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 | 35 |
| Goals | 16 | 1 |
| Assists | 3 | 6 |
Bale may not have consistently started under Mourinho, yet his performance underscored his ongoing value as an elite player. With the ability to change games single-handedly, Bale’s contribution to Tottenham remains memorable for fans and former teammates alike.
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