Tottenham ace Bale enjoying his new 'Ronaldo role'

Tottenham ace Gareth Bale is enjoying his central role.

Bale admitted he has modelled his game on the world's most expensive player, Real Madrid's £80m striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who took his game to new heights after converting from a winger to a more central role.

The Welshman has made the same move for certain games this season and it has played a key part in the success of Spurs, who beat Newcastle 5-0 on Saturday to stay within seven points of leaders Manchester City.

He told the London Evening Standard: "I spoke about it before (with Redknapp) but the main person I have spoken to is my agent. He has watched me. If you look at the likes of Ronaldo, when he started out wide and he got really good, people began to double up on him. He had to come inside, try and change his game and get on the ball and influence the game another way.

"Last season it was becoming a bit annoying for me because a lot of teams were putting a midfielder right in front of me and a full-back behind. It's hard to get the ball out wide when people are just standing there and there is no space.

"I wanted to come inside and become more involved, to come and get the ball and have an effect on the game. Thankfully I have progressed this season and I am able to do that now."