Bale on form of his life, seeks 'get out' of Spurs?

Bale gave Maicon huge problems on his right in both ties (AFP)

Gareth Bale is one of the hottest form players in European football. Hinged by his stunning play against Inter Milan, memorably of his San Siro exploits, his reputation of a cursed youngster who took 23 Premier League appearances in 2007-08 to win a game for Tottenham is now transformed.

Bale more than impressed his manager, Harry Redknapp, but prompted rave reviews from media all over Europe. The Gazzetta Della Sport in Italy exposed Bale as a guy who derailed Inter's first half demolition in a majestic fashion by scoring a hat-trick in the 4-3 Spurs defeat in September. His performance at White Hart Lane didn't overshadow what the Welshman had accomplished at the San Siro, but his slightly more understated role on the left still packed a punch.

In Italy and with Tottenham four down into the second half, Spurs attempted to launch counter-attacks down the left, thereby exploiting the energetic and pacy Bale. Lennon also had some freedom on the right, but wasn't as direct as the 23-year old Welsh international. He rampaged nearly 60 yards with the ball 10 minutes in, weaving past Maicon before rifling his low shot into the bottom corner. The second, around a minute later, nearly mirrored his run from the first and again with a low finish into the far corner. The third, his hat-trick was worked by Lennon juking and jiving on the right, working off lone frontman Peter Crouch before the ball suddenly broke to Bale, who slid his shot again in the far corner.

Very few 'Away' players really leave their mark at the San Siro. It's a notorious difficult place to play, and a vociferous Milanese crowd proud of their club. Bale had the temerity to stamp his authority on the game with the objective of giving the scoreline a much less painful look. I didn't think even Bale envisaged a 4-3 loss coming out after half-time.

His performance in London was sublime. Inter Milan manager Rafa Benitez was very naive not to double up on Bale, knowing how he obliterated Maicon on his right flank. Javier Zanetti's pace wouldn't have offered much in cover anyway, but Bale still tore down the left touchline. He created two goals - for Peter Crouch and Roman Pavyluchenko - sliding the ball along the turf, and leaving Maicon and Lucio with their backsides on the turf. Bale even had room for an audacious overhead kick, but couldn't adjust his body in time for a correct swing. The Bale show is out in full force now. It definitely is in Europe, which may lead to a few European giants to knock at the door of the Lane for enquiries over availability in the summer.

While he saves his best for the midweek European nights, he has recently lost that spark that we see on TV on a chilly Saturday at the Reebok, or the Hawthorns stadiums. He was redundant at the former, and it is concerning especially at a relatively still early stage of the season, that Bale is burning out. But if he still has that raw pace, I'd say burn it while you still can.