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Fabio - Bale is world's best

Image: Capello: Admirer of Bale

England manager Fabio Capello believes Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is the best player in the world.

England boss says Spurs man is number one player

England manager Fabio Capello believes Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is the best player in the world. The 21-year-old Welshman is hoping to shake off a back injury in time to face AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, and Capello has highlighted his threat. The Italian said: "Gareth Bale is today the number one player in the world. "He is the only one who can make a difference in the role he plays as he has pace, technique and strength. Those are three qualities it is hard to find in a player who is not a striker. "Bale doesn't set out from defence like a full-back. He drives forward and when gets nearer to goal he moves infield and shoots with amazing accuracy. "Bale reminds me of Roberto Carlos, who was born a left-back and who matured physically and in terms of tactical awareness. Carlos was an explosive player and the only one who came even close to Bale." Harry Redknapp joined in the praise of Bale by describing the Wales international as the 'best left-sider around' and believes the 21-year-old can continue to flourish at White Hart Lane.

Incredible

"He enjoys playing here, they love him here," said Redknapp. "This is a club he can keep developing at. "If the club want to keep going forward every year you've got to keep players like that because you can't find them. "I don't think there is a better left-sided player around. He has got everything. He is 6ft 2in tall, the physique on him is incredible, the pace, the ability to cross the ball, shoot, dribble, head it, he can do everything. "The world sat up and recognised him after what he did to Inter but he has been tearing teams to pieces for over a year. He's done it against everybody, really." Redknapp is hoping Bale will be fit to be involved in the second leg of the last-16 tie against Milan after missing the first meeting with a back injury. Bale returned as a substitute in the Premier League draw at Wolves on Sunday and Redknapp believes Milan will be worried about the winger, even if he is only on the bench. He continued: "If Milan see him on the bench it will give them a few concerns. "I'd love to see him start but he's doubtful at the moment."

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