Theo Walcott vs Gareth Bale: A statistical comparison

Here is a comparison of two young very influential players, Arsenal‘s Theo Walcott and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale. Both players have their own unique style of play but have one thing in common, speed.

	Theo Walcott	Gareth Bale
Starts	15	22
Substitute Appearances	7	0
Goals	11	13
Assists	8	1
Shots	2.6	4.6
Pass Success	83.3%	78.8%
Key Passes	1.1	2.3
Crosses	0.8	1.9
Dribbles	1.7	2.1

Comparing the stats, there really is no winner. Both players may be wingers, but their entirely different style of play, and what they do for their team is what balances the scale.

Theo Walcott plays on the right wing and puts his enormous speed to full use to stretch the play and to act as a decoy to divert the attention of the defenders on to himself. He plays the crucial role in the build up to a goal. With some quick and precise passes with midfielders like Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere, and some perfectly timed runs, he is able to push the attack from the center and the right wing.

Although Gareth Bale is also a winger, his style of play is slightly different. Bale uses his speed to spread the attack and also to take chances at goal. Tottenham puts Bale’s attacking nature to full use by supplying him the ball. Gareth Bale has an aggressive play that sees him get in front of the goal often to take, and usually score, some amazing shots. He is also able to supply fellow team mates with dangerous crosses from the corner and just outside the penalty box.