Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believes AC Milan will be dreading the thought of Gareth Bale stepping off the bench at White Hart Lane tonight.
Bale's profile rocketed when he scored a second-half hat-trick against Inter Milan in the group stages in October before running rings around Maicon in the reverse fixture the following month.
The 21-year-old is likely to start the second leg of the club's Champions League last-16 tie against Milan on the bench after six weeks out with a back injury.
Bale has earned the plaudits of a number of respected figures within the game this year, with Fabio Capello labelling him the best in his position in the world. Redknapp, whose side go in 1-0 up from the first leg, agreed.
He said: "I don't think there is a better left-sided player around. He has got everything. He is 6ft 2in tall, the physique on him is incredible, the pace, the ability to cross the ball, shoot, dribble, head it, he can do everything.
"The world sat up and recognised him after what he did to Inter but he has been tearing teams to pieces for over a year. He's done it against everybody, really."
Bale came through a training session yesterday but felt stiff afterwards, meaning Redknapp is likely to deploy him as an substitute.
Redknapp thinks the Italian giants will be scared of the impact he could have off the bench.
He continued: "If Milan see him on the bench it will give them a few concerns. I'd love to see him start but he's doubtful at the moment. This morning he felt he wasn't quite ready to start (the game). His back was okay but he felt a little stiff in his legs.
Capello had said: "He is today the number one player in the world. He is the only one who can make a difference in the role he plays.
Read More
"He has pace, technique and strength. Those three qualities are hard to find in a player who is not a striker. He reminds me of Roberto Carlos, who was born a left-back. He was an explosive player and the only one who came even closest to Bale.
"His pace reminds me of the legendary Real Madrid midfielder Francisco Gento, who was unstoppable when he set off down the left flank - but Gento was a born winger, not a left-back. He did not possess the same strength as Bale."
Should they avoid defeat tonight, Redknapp's team will secure their passage through to the last eight.
The Londoners are outsiders to clinch the trophy but Redknapp would not rule his team out of making the final at Wembley in two months' time.
"It's there for someone to win it and we're still in it," he said. "I'm sure all our players want to continue in this competition as I do and all the staff.
