Tottenham star Christian Eriksen has claimed Gareth
Bale is “very, very close” to being on the same level as Lionel Messi and
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking about Bale ahead of Denmark’s UEFA Nations
League match against Wales in Cardiff tomorrow night, Eriksen said: “He’s a top,
top player. Nobody in the world is the same as Messi or Ronaldo, but he’s in a
group who are very, very close behind them.
“He has been playing at Real Madrid for a long time
now and he has done very well there. Even to ask the question about how he
comes to Messi and Ronaldo shows he is up there.
“Bale is someone who can always give them something
extra. He does it in any team he plays for.
Credit: PA
“He is very quick, very direct, and he is always
guaranteed for a few goals. International football is all about getting goals,
and he does that.”
Meanwhile, both sides can win Group Four with a victory
at the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales sit two points clear of the Danes, who a
game in hand, therefore, a draw might not be good enough for the Ryan Giggs’
side.
The bookies are expecting a very close game with the
hosts 7/4 to win the game, while the visitors are 15/8, and a draw can be backed
at 11/5.
Eriksen and Bale are, without doubt, the standout
players in the tie, and the Spurs star is 6/1 to open the scoring against the Welsh
and 11/4 to bag his third goal at anytime against them in the group after
netting twice in the reverse fixture.
Credit: PA
Bale is 4/1 to score the first goal in the game and
21/10 to net his second UEFA Nations League goal at any point in the match.
Elsehwhere, Giggs has had a mixed start to Wales career
after taking over earlier this year, winning three, drawing one and losing
three of his seven matches in charge so far.
However, Erikesen believes the former Manchester United legend has already improved the side, saying: “I remember we were watching Wales against
Ireland in the first game between them (Wales won 4-1), and they were very
impressive.
“Going forward, they are very good. They have a young,
quick wingers and they are very good in attack.
“His mentality is clear, and that has transferred to
the team. Wales want to attack and play forward.
Credit: PA
“We know it is like a final on Friday, and Wales have
the possibility to win the group if they win the game.
“We know that, and it will be a fun game to play in
front of a full stadium and in a good atmosphere. There will be an extra
feeling which will make it different to a friendly game, so that is good.
“The last time we played Wales was off the back of
them beating Ireland very easily. Then they had to come to Denmark, and I think
they were tired. This time it will be a very different game.”
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