England coach Fabio Capello rates Tottenham star Gareth Bale as the best player in the world. Capello admits he's in awe of the Welshman's ability.
The Italian, who played for and managed Spurs' Champions League opponents AC Milan, warned his former side: "Gareth Bale is today the No 1 player in the world.
"He is the only one who can make a difference in the role he plays, as he has pace, technique and strength.
"Those are three qualities that are hard to find in a player who is not a striker. Bale doesn't set out from defence like a full-back.
"But he drives forward, and when he gets nearer to goal he moves infield and shoots with amazing accuracy."
Bale, 21, rescued Tottenham's debut Champions League campaign with a sensational hat-trick against Milan's city rivals Inter back in October.
His treble, despite the 4-3 defeat, shoved Tottenham back on track to qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
Capello added: "Bale reminds me of Roberto Carlos, who was born a left-back and matured both physically and in terms of tactical awareness.
"Carlos was an explosive player, and the only one who came even close to Bale."
