The Croatian national team manager Igor Stimac has said that he feels that the Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has already been overtaken by the Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale in terms of the stature and ability. The 38-year-old Ryan Giggs is regarded as one of the best players to have represented the Welsh national team, but the Croatian manager Igor Stimac feels that the 23-year-old Gareth Bale has the potential to become even better. Igor Stimac is not new to English football after having played for the likes of Derby County and West Ham United during his six years in English football.

He has played against the likes of the Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs at his prime. Even though the 38-year-old may not be playing as regularly as he would like in recent seasons, Igor Stimac has praised the attitude and professionalism of the midfielder. However, he feels that the 23-year-old former Southampton winger Gareth Bale has more in his locker and could eventually become the best player for the national team. Gareth Bale has already been responsible for a number of crucial victories for the Welsh national team in the World Cup qualifying campaign. He secured the late goal against Scotland to save the blushes of Chris Coleman.

“Bale is one of the top five players in the world, a fantastic wonderful player. I like him very much, very good. When I was playing in England I played against Ryan Giggs and of course he was a good player too – world class. But I think Bale is better than Giggs. He has all the skill of Giggs but he is stronger and much more difficult for a team to deal with because of that,” said Stimac ahead Croatia’s match with Wales, in which Gareth Bale is expected to play.