Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale can surpass the achievements of Ryan Giggs at international level, according to Wales manager Chris Coleman.
The 24-year-old scored another stunning goal for his country in the 3-1 win over Iceland on Wednesday night, to add to the collection of great goals he has already scored throughout his career. He also highlighted his importance to the team by creating the two other goals for his teammates.
Giggs, who retired from international duty in 2007 to focus on his career with Manchester United, is widely considered to be the best player to have ever player for Wales, despite the fact he never played at a major tournament with his country. Speaking after the game, Coleman said Bale could become the greatest to wear the red shirt, and would be the country’s icon for years to come.
“What Gareth does on the pitch is extraordinary. With him in our team we always know we have a real chance and he proved that again. Just witnessing what he did in this match was worth the entrance fee for the fans who came here and saw something very special,” he said.
The former Real Sociedad manager continued: “Gareth was so good I’ve even asked him afterwards for a photograph and his autograph myself! I played with Ryan Giggs, of course, and I always said he was the finest player I appeared with but I honestly do think Bale will be even better in time. Giggs scored some great goals for Wales from free kicks but Gareth runs past four or five defenders to score for us and he does it consistently. He’s more dynamic, direct and powerful than even Ryan was and that’s really saying something. None of this is disrespecting Giggs, a truly great player, but I just think Gareth will be the No.1.”
