“Andros Can Be Our New Bale” – Vertonghen excited by Townsend form

Andros Townsend in action against West Ham United

Jan Vertonghen believes England’s newest star, Andros Townsend, could become just as important for Tottenham Hotspur as Gareth Bale was.

After starring for England in his first two international appearances the 22-year-old scored the first goal in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, which has led Vertonghen to think Townsend could be the next Bale.

Bale moved to Real Madrid for a world record fee of £85.3 million during the summer transfer market, opening up a space in the side for Townsend to fill.

“Andros can be our new Gareth Bale,” Vertonghen told the London Evening Standard. “He has so much pace, technique and skill and he can do it with both feet. I hope he can keep going like this and he can be our best player. Maybe he can become as good as Bale.”

It’s certainly a strong statement to make by the Belgian considering Bale’s current standing as the most expensive footballer in the world, in comparison to Townsend, who has only made 27 first-team appearances for Spurs.

Vertgonhen added: “He is young and I think in two or three years he can go to that level.”

Townsend only recently made his first Premier League start for Tottenham, after spending the back end of last season on-loan at Queens Park Rangers.

Townsend has certainly improved dramatically and his performances this season have seen him rewarded with a new four-year contract.

Vertonghen revealed that Townsend had previously impressed him in training and is now happy to see him rewarded.

“I was asking myself, ‘Why is he not playing, with his talent?’ but of course he had Aaron Lennon ahead of him.

“I’m so glad for him, that he’s showing what he can do now, because he works very hard and he’s always doing his extra training.”

Andros Townsend has a 50% average shot accuracy having hit 10 shots on target as well as 10 off target in just seven Premier League games this season. He has scored one goal but that came via a cross rather than a deliberate shot.