On 27 Sep 2020, former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle told a podcast that the 31‑year‑old Welsh winger can reinvent himself at Spurs by dropping deeper and becoming a creator, a shift that could revive his impact after a sluggish loan return from Real Madrid and help the club climb the Premier League table.
What did Hoddle say?
Hoddle, who guided Tottenham from 2001 to 2003, suggested that José Mourinho might switch to a three‑defender shape to free up space for Bale. He argued that Bale’s pace has faded, but his vision and passing have sharpened, allowing him to operate between the lines and link midfield with attack.
He drew a parallel with Harry Kane’s recent drop‑in role at Southampton, where the striker supplied four assists to Son Heung‑min in a single match. Hoddle believes Bale could emulate that pattern at Tottenham, feeding Kane with incisive passes and creating overloads on the right flank.
According to Hoddle, Bale’s ability to pick out a teammate with a precise, lofted ball makes him a natural playmaker. He noted that Bale can keep his head up, scan the field, and deliver balls that split defenses, a skill set that Tottenham currently lacks in the midfield.
How could Bale fit a creative role?
If Mourinho adopts a 3‑2‑4‑1 formation, Bale could sit just behind the striker, acting as the link between the back three and the front four. In that slot, he would receive the ball on the half‑space, turn, and look for through passes to Kane or Son, exploiting his improved vision.
Bale arrived on loan from Real Madrid in early September and was rested during the international break to rebuild stamina. The manager’s plan is to ease him back into competitive minutes, using the West Ham United fixture on Sunday as a controlled environment to test his new responsibilities.
Spurs sit sixth in the Premier League with seven points after two wins from four games, a modest start that leaves room for tactical tweaks. Introducing Bale as a deeper creator could add variety to their attack, potentially turning tight matches into decisive victories as the season progresses.
What does this mean for Tottenham?
Should Bale adapt to the creative role, Tottenham could benefit from an extra source of chance creation, easing the burden on Kane, who already shoulders much of the goal‑scoring load. A successful transition would also give Mourinho a flexible option to rotate the front line without losing potency.
Fans have been eager to see the Welsh star regain his former brilliance after a turbulent spell in Spain. Hoddle’s comments provide a narrative of redemption, suggesting that the loan could become a platform for Bale to showcase his evolved skill set rather than merely a cameo appearance.
If the experiment pays off, Bale could finish the season with a handful of assists, adding a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack as they chase a top‑four finish. Even a modest contribution would validate Hoddle’s belief and give the club a valuable asset for the long term.