Bale moving to left back?

[StPaulSpur]

I'm still a relative novice when it comes to football strategy, so can someone explain to me why Harry wants to move Bale back to the left back position eventually? He's such a force from the left wing, why pull him back? Will he still be able to get up front for his crosses? I've heard people say we could use him the way Chelsea uses Ashley Cole, but it seems like he has a bigger impact on games at left wing than Cole does for Chelsea at LB. Anyone willing to explain this to me? I'm trying to understand the rationale and am just not seeing it.

[contrast]

Last time I heard Harry say that was back at the very start of the season, I'm sure 11 goals in all competitions later, even Harry is starting to think he's more suited to attacking.

[MonicaHotspur]

I hope he doesn't go back to left back. Think of all the game winning goals and assists he did this season.

[Roscono3]

Theres a simple answer to this imo.....If and when Bale does go back to left back in the future it will only be a option. Bale can play both so why not use him there when the time is right.

He's been playing left wing nearly every game so if we were to move him back it would keep other teams guessing and not be so obvious. Playing him from a deeper role would be harder for other teams to mark him as he can make his runs from a deeper position.

And if it doesn't work we can always move him back!!! It keeps teams guessing.... It's all about option's seeing so many teams are starting to double up on him. To allow him to go to left back would be a great option but that doesn't mean he'll stay there.

[Irish Yid Pavlyuchenko]

Gareth Bale doesnt know how to tackle, Really, he doesnt.

He's like afraid to slide tackle!

[Audere est Facere]

the only reason why bale would go to left back would be this formation

--------------------Gomes-----------------------
---Kaboul-------Dawson-----Gallas------Bale--
--------------Huddlestone---Modric------------
---Lennon-----------VdV--------------Suarez--
-------------------Defoe-------------------------


This lineup is like sex.

[StPaulSpur]

So, basically when we have another option at left mid who is better there than BAE is at left back, Bale would move? Is it possible Townsend could mature into that role, allowing Bale to move back?

[Roscono3]

So, basically when we have another option at left mid who is better there than BAE is at left back, Bale would move? Is it possible Townsend could mature into that role, allowing Bale to move back?

Can you not remember Modric or Niko playing there?

At the back you could have a flat back four including BALE.. Then two holding midfielders with three attacking midfielders and one striker. something like a....

4 2 3 1 formation

[StPaulSpur]

Well, Modric can play on the wing, but we already struggle in center mid... at least as long as Huddlestone is hurt. Maybe when Hudd is back that could work (esp. if we land Diarra), but I don't see it right now. And if Nico were a better option, wouldn't that already be the lineup, Nico on the left, Bale in at lb?

[Roscono3]

Well, Modric can play on the wing, but we already struggle in center mid... at least as long as Huddlestone is hurt. Maybe when Hudd is back that could work (esp. if we land Diarra), but I don't see it right now. And if Nico were a better option, wouldn't that already be the lineup, Nico on the left, Bale in at lb?

I agree with most of this but its not a better option other wise we would be doing it all the time...Its just an option!!!

Which is great as it keeps other teams guessing....

[Eighteen82]

Ignoring his lack of defensive abilities, playing at LB gives him more time on the ball, and he's able to see the more of the space he runs in to. Whoever is playing at LM/LW will be puling the attention of the RM/RW and/or RWB/RB away leaving bags more space for Bale. The problem that also comes with this is it causes our LM/LW to track back more with the space that will be exposed from his runs.

It's not a bad way to play, just currently it's not the best option. With more players we could go for a more all-out attack formation with him at LB/LWB.

[Short But Speedy]

Also there is the distinct possiblity that harry more of a very distant future. For example when he's around 30 he may not be able to keep running all game like he is now. By then he'll probably be able to tackle and become a very good lb. Many players move into the back line as they age.

[StPaulSpur]

OK, that makes more sense. I would be curious to see how that works, perhaps something to try in a match with a bottom half side, like Wolves or Wigan? Looking at the upcoming month, it's a tough call b/c we have some tough upcoming fixtures, at Newcastle, at Sunderland, against Bolton, against Arsenal.... On the one hand, we need a strong side for those fixtures. But on the other, we could run Bale into the ground if we play him in each of those plus the Champions League matches w/ Milan. What do you think?

[Reserrved]

Theres a simple answer to this imo.....If and when Bale does go back to left back in the future it will only be a option. Bale can play both so why not use him there when the time is right.

He's been playing left wing nearly every game so if we were to move him back it would keep other teams guessing and not be so obvious. Playing him from a deeper role would be harder for other teams to mark him as he can make his runs from a deeper position.

And if it doesn't work we can always move him back!!! It keeps teams guessing.... It's all about option's seeing so many teams are starting to double up on him. To allow him to go to left back would be a great option but that doesn't mean he'll stay there.

good point it seems he gets majority of the attention now

[Scarlotti]

It would be madness to reconvert Gareth Bale to a left back!

In an incredibly short space of time he has gone from being a decent young full back with some potential to a world class wide left midfielder!

His goal scoring record alone should be enough to prevent anyone putting him into the back four - where the pace & power of his runs are unlikely to result in goals on a regular basis!