The Gareth Bale of League 2? Morecambe excited by Tom Barkhuizen

The Gareth Bale of League 2 - praise indeed for Morecambe’s Tom Barkhuizen.
Morecambe's Tom Barkhuizen.Morecambe's Tom Barkhuizen.
Morecambe's Tom Barkhuizen.

Shrimps assistant boss Ken McKenna has coined the moniker after seeing the former Blackpool man make a fine start to the new season.

Barkhuizen has scored two stunning goals, against Portsmouth and Walsall, with his power and pace reminding Morecambe number two McKenna of Wales’ Real Madrid star.

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Boss Jim Bentley, who has also compared the winger to Shrimps legend Garry Thompson, said: “He’s a similar type of player (to Bale).

Gareth Bale. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.Gareth Bale. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.
Gareth Bale. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.

“He’s very dynamic, very quick, powerful, energetic and has already scored two great goals.

“He smashed the bar the other night and had a diving header past the post as well.

“He’s got a little bit of everything.

“If we can get more minutes into him and keep him injury-free, he’s improved since he’s come here already.

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“It’s the fittest he’s every felt, he’s been working hard in the gym with (fitness coach) Chris Squirrell and physique wise he’s come on leaps and bounds.

“For a lad who’s only 22 in July he’s got a bright future and hopefully he can continue the form he’s shown so far.”