‘Close to his best’ – Ryan Mason comments on Gareth Bale’s mood and form

Ryan Mason has claimed that we are now seeing Gareth Bale close to his top form in a Tottenham shirt, while also adding that the Welshman is happy.

It was a tricky season for Bale under Jose Mourinho in North London, with the winger really having to fight for chances in the first half of the campaign.

In fact, the four-times Champions League winner had to initially make do with Thursday night run-outs in the Europa League before getting consistent Premier League starts.

However, after the turn of the new year, Bale seemed to find his stride and hit some scintillating form in front of goal. That was until he was dropped again after a poor performance against Arsenal.

Since Ryan Mason has come in, it has been like the Gareth Bale of old, with a hat-trick last time out against Sheffield United.

Bale now has 14 goals and three assists in 30 games across all competitions this season, including nine goals in 16 Premier League games (TransferMarkt).

Mason had this to say on Bale (Football London): “I can only go off the back of the last two weeks from what I’ve seen of Gareth.

“Obviously, I experience playing with him as well. He’s a top professional with immense quality. The last two weeks of training have been excellent.

“Obviously, he’s produced on the football pitch as well – that’s four goals in two Premier League matches. He’s happy, I’m happy. That’s important as players, we have to be happy to perform to our best. At the moment you’re seeing Gareth close to his best.

“I don’t know [what my role is]. I pick the team from training and performances and certain individuals who I feel will help the team in that match.

“The game against Southampton, we really felt we needed Gareth because Harry was missing and we felt we needed someone we could rely on to provide that moment.

“We’ve got so many options in that high end of the pitch, so much quality, such professionals who are working hard each day.

“There’s difficult decisions to make but Gareth has proved in the last couple of weeks that he’s still got that quality in the final third. Let’s hope it continues.”

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