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Arsene Wenger happy he signed Theo Walcott over Gareth Bale
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has no regrets about his decision to sign Theo Walcott over Gareth Bale.
Arsenal scouted the 23-year-olds when they were Southampton teenagers but Wenger chose to take on Walcott in 2006 while Tottenham signed Bale in 2007.
Wenger said: "At some stage, we were on about taking the two if possible.
"But we could get Walcott and I am very happy we got him. You'd be amazed by the number of players we should have signed. Every club misses players."
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas called Bale "incredible" after two stunning free-kicks from the Welsh winger helped Spurs beat Lyon in the Europa League first-leg match at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
The Wales international has now scored seven goals in his last five matches for club and country.
Bale's run of form has led to comparisons with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, but Wenger says it is too early to measure the Welshman against the La Liga playmakers.
"Bale has the potential to develop and become the players that you compare him to," Wenger added.
"However, Messi has won two or three Champions League, a few championships, scored 95 goals in a year, so let's not go too quickly."
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Comment number 422.
AstonVillan17th February 2013 - 22:06
I couldn't 'agree' more that Gareth Bale is a "limited" player who lacks any class and technique, just as Frank Lampard clearly isn't a proven goalscorer and Gervinho is manifestly the Premier League's most proflific marksman...
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Comment number 421.
JJ11Like17th February 2013 - 20:40
What exactly does Bale 'duck' in your opinion. Actually, don't bother answering that, you sound like you're just trying very hard to find some vague fault in a rare talent.
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Comment number 420.
collymonster17th February 2013 - 17:12
I am not a Gareth Bale fan, but if Arsene thinks Walcott is better than Bale, he should take up accountancy or another profession.Walcott to be fair does not duck it, Bale does. Both have pace, but Bale produces a good final ball and delivery, Theo continually hits the first defender with his final ball.
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Comment number 419.
LoveEngland17th February 2013 - 13:03
A simple way to view this. Think of your team and decide who you'd prefer to have; Walcott or Bale?
Bale please.
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Comment number 418.
WalterLittlewood17th February 2013 - 12:44
Walcott was available in 2007 and its thought his father was keen for him to leave Southampton when the club was in financial trouble. Bale, further back in his development, came through to the first team rfter Walcott had left. Don't recall the two London clubs competing to sign Bale but in need of cash Southampton accepted Tottenham's offer.
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Comments 5 of 422