Jeenah Moon-Reuters via Imagn Images

Gareth Bale comparisons made after what Tottenham star did earlier this week

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 5:25 AM ET

It was a big win for Tottenham Hotspur against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League earlier this week. Going into the game there were many critics around the Lilywhites given their faulty performances of late. And it was all a build-up from that 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, with 60,000 supporters watching Thomas Frank’s side creating absolutely nothing all game.

But that 4-0 win came as a big welcome for Spurs, as it not only lifted a lot of spirits but also produced a goal which is going to linger in fans’ memories for years and years. Micky van de Ven scored a solo effort which definitely deserves a lot of recognition. The Dutch defender picked up the ball near his own penalty area before he charged through the opponents. He left quite a few opponent players scrambling in doing so before he finished with a composed strike at the other end.

This kind of solo goal, where a defender is running riots all across the pitch before finding the back of the net, is something the Lilywhites supporters had been familiar with when a certain Gareth Bale was donning the North Londoners’ badge. And that is the exact comparison former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara came through with after the goal. He said (via. TalkSport):

“It’s outrageous. He’s like Gareth Bale. You can’t catch him once he gets going, skipping past players. Gabriel can’t do that.”

Why Bale?

Gareth Bale during his time at Tottenham had used his blistering pace time and again to get the better of defenders with his runs. And he showed that ability to not only get past defenders but also finish in front of goal. And that is exactly what made that Van de Ven run as well.

Picking up the ball but then running with his pace while beating the players around. And then as he was in front of goal, he came up with a nice finish. Quite Bale-esque.

Bale often did this from the flanks, but with a centre back doing that, it’s just another thing in itself.

Author Opinion

While the mood around the Lilywhites’ supporters was quite gloomy after that defeat against Chelsea, Van de Ven came with a goal that could lift this team and these fans for a while and more.

And this also adds another asset to Thomas Frank’s arsenal. Having a centre back making a darting run with the ball, most teams are not prepared for it and would rather have them scraping. So when things are getting a bit difficult for the Lilywhites, the Dane head coach can have his CB run riot like he did earlier this week.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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