Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has insisted that Gareth Bake has broken the ‘psychological barrier’, following an impressive return to form.
The Welshman had endured a frustrating start to life on his return to the Premier League, with much of his game time restricted to domestic cup competitions and the club’s Europa League campaign.
However, following some improved displays in the latter competition, the 31-year-old has worked his way back into contention and has started the last three league games.
The on-loan Real Madrid star has netted four times in those three starts, with his latest brace against Crystal Palace illustrating his blossoming partnership with England captain Harry Kane, as well as fellow forwards Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura.
The forward now has ten goals and three assists in all competitions so far this term, as he looks to have finally recaptured the type of form that made him such a hit in his first spell at Spurs.
One key factor in his recent upturn in fortunes has been regaining full fitness, the winger having been struck down by injuries over the last few years of his toxic spell at the Bernabeu.
According to Mourinho, Bale has managed to move past the ‘psychological scars’ which come with multiple injuries, something which the player must take full credit for.
“It is not that we have challenged him or anything,” Mourinho told AS. “We have only supported him.
“I found psychological scars in him. When you are a couple of seasons with many injuries, the important thing is not only the muscular scars, but also the psychological ones, which bring fear and instability.
“There is a moment when you are working well and when everyone around you is supporting you to the maximum. At that moment the psychological barrier is broken.
“And he has done it. It was him, not us.”
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