EPL: Gareth Bale - deadly winger to lethal striker

London, Feb 27: Gareth Bale has now transformed into a striker, a lethal force upfront after playing much of his career at left-back and as a winger, but Andre Villas-Boas has used him in the middle following injury to Jermaine Defoe.

Harry Redknapp was not fully convinced with Bale after his move from Southampton to White Hart Lane but injury to Benoit Assou-Ekotto gave Bale a chance to prove at left-back. Soon after he transformed into Premier League's best wingers but Villas-Boas has turned into the league's consistent goal-scorers.

Bale has the pace, strength and the ability to finish. The Welshman has scored nine goals in seven games and his strikes have earned Tottenham 15 points in the league this season.

West Ham felt the force of Bale on Monday night as Spurs won 3-2 thanks to Bale's stunning late goal. Bale played more of a 'false nine' lying deep to collect the ball and he scored twice and set up the other to help Tottenham climb to third spot.

Bale is turning into a ruthless striker and will take on North London rivals Arsenal next week. The Gunners have had the upper hand in this fixture but Spurs are in excellent form lately.

The Welsh sensation has had more shots per game than last season and has attempted fewer passes this season. However, it's not the first time Bale troubled defenders. His hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League three years ago showed his quality as a top finisher. Since then, Bale has been targetted by top clubs across Europe, mainly Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants seem favourites to sign Bale but Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also ready to splash the cash. Spurs will be ready to listen to offers around £50million but could lose him for a much lesser amount if the player is willing to leave.

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