Stoke City fullback Andy Wilkinson was pleased with his performance in defeat to Tottenham.
Gareth Bale beat him a few times on the outside, but Wilkinson, aged 26, was entitled to reflect on a job well done.
"He's quick, strong and has got everything really," Wilkinson told The Sentinel.
"I relish that sort of challenge, but it was tiring after not starting a game for 10 weeks. You try to keep in shape in training, but there's only so much you can do.
"I think with his (Bale's) pace, there's not many quicker than him and I don't think he went past me too many times.
"And with a bit more match practice I would have done better.
"I think Bale has a bit more (than Walcott) because he's strong and powerful with it.
"With the smaller, quick ones you can out-muscle them."
