Stopping Gareth Bale

Just how do you stop an in form player? When everything just goes right for them, every shot placed perfectly out of the 'keeper's reach, every turn making the defenders looking more and more foolish. Sometimes they make you wonder if it is even possible, when they produce moments of pure brilliance to win the match in the 90th minute.

Many players have a larger influence than Bale

With 16 goals in 24 game, an average rating of 7.94 and with 9 man of the match awards (latter both highest in league), Gareth Bale has been crucial for the Spurs side who have lacked a quality striker all season, making up 34% of the team's goals despite playing either behind or on the left of their frontman.

Although the 'one-man team' comments cannot be justified (the influence chalkboard is evidence of that), without him AVB could have been in quite a bit of trouble.

You could also say that Bale is rather wasteful also, often deciding to take shots from far out instead of a better option in a pass, though with the goals he has producing such as the game-winning one against West Ham two weeks ago you have to give him the freedom to attempt such shots (in the match, 80% of his shots were from outside of the box). The once left-back has 4.8 shots every game - over double the third most frequent Clint Dempsey (2.2pg).

Bale's main weakness is definitely his right foot, which contrasts in quality with his magnificent left, which means that you could reduce his effect at least slightly, by simply forcing him onto his right foot. However with the sight of that figure bounding towards you at full pace, this may be easier said than done.

With most key players, one way to curtail their impact is to stop them receiving the ball in the first place. This can be done in a number of ways, such as marking the ex-Southampton player ball-side, but since Villas-Boas has allowed him to roam around with a free role it would leave your defence exposed if your holding midfielder is dragged wide.

To restrict the number of shots from range Bale takes, you could mimic Tottenham and play with a high block, and keep a compact structure in midfield. If you play with a low block, or a deep defensive line, you invite pressure and a lot of space in front of your defence is given up to the opposition, in which Bale will have enough time to unleash his fierce left-foot shot.

And now lack of it.

Notice the space ahead of Bale.

 On the other hand, if you play with a high defensive line then the majority of play will be in the congested midfield, too far out for Bale to shoot, and also restricting him room to pick up speed into when dribbling with the ball.

The only downside to playing high up against Spurs is that your defence could be beaten by the pace of Lennon and Defoe, but an organised line should minimise that threat.

A sweeper keeper, which often accompanies a high block, may be needed to counter the threat of through-balls being played in behind by the likes of Holtby and Dembele. The intense pressing which is a very important component in a successful high block should be aimed at these creative players to reduce the amount of penetrative passes, however whilst still making sure that space isn't left behind for Bale. To keep the Welshman surrounded whilst putting pressure on the other midfielders, you might have to have your widemen tuck into the midfield and press backwards to the other Tottenham threats.

How would you stop Bale? Or firstly, do you think you can even properly stop an in form player? Do you believe that no matter what precautions you take to deal with him, the efforts would be futile? Have you thought of a better way to deal with the Spurs man? If so, put it in the comments section!

I'm glad to be back! I know the article in general isn't up to scratch, but I'll be gradually getting back into it after 4 months off so please bear that in mind. 

If you're a new reader, you can follow me on Twitter!