George Burley: 'Gareth Bale better than Theo Walcott'

Former Southampton boss George Burley believes that the extra time at Saints has helped Tottenham Hotspur Gareth Bale develop into a better player than Theo Walcott.

Both players were managed by Burley at the Saints and were sold to clubs in North London but at different stages of their career.

"I always thought Gareth was the better prospect," Burley told The Mirror. "Theo had different attributes. Gareth was more the package in terms of that quality on the ball.

"I think that has shown as Gareth has developed into a better player. I think in those early years, any player is building up.

"If you can get those two seasons under your belt at least, then when you move to a big club, you have certainly got a much better chance."

Spurs and Arsenal square off in the North London derby on Sunday.