RB Leipzig’s Scottish sensation Oliver Burke responded to recent comparisons between himself and Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale.
Oliver Burke, who was not known to many before the present season, gained popularity rapidly after his deadline day move from Championship side Nottingham Forest to Bundesliga newcomers RB Leipzig. Leipzig have also caught the attention of the footballing world with their performances in the Bundesliga, with the newly promoted side one of three teams in the league to remain undefeated this season going into the international break.
Many players have been able to break onto the scene in the present campaign, but Oliver Burke’s rise has, perhaps, eclipsed a majority of them. The 19-year-old’s transfer to the Bundesliga caused mass hysteria back in his homeland. Burke became the most expensive Scottish player in the nation’s history as a result of the move.
Furthermore, the player’s decision to opt for RB Leipzig instead of the European elites also intrigued football supporters. Many, including the media, have even gone to the extent of presenting Burke as Scotland’s answer to Wales superstar Gareth Bale.
As we head into the international break, Oliver Burke spoke to Sky Sports HQ on various topics and even addressed the comparisons with the Real Madrid superstar.
“They’re nice comparisons,” said the teenager. “Whenever something like this happens there are always comparisons but you have to look at what Gareth Bale has done, he has won Champions League medals and is at Real Madrid and he has pretty much done everything.”
The Scottish attacker appreciated the comparisons but was realistic about his present stature. He acknowledged that he still has a long way to go in his career and that he considers himself some way off the level of the Welsh speedster at the moment.
“For me, I’m nowhere near that, nowhere near his level,” admitted Burke. “I’m still a young boy; there is still a long way for me to go. You can compare but, for me personally, I’m Oliver Burke and I’m myself and I just do what I can do and work to give 100 per cent.”
The Scotsman seems to have the talent to make it at the biggest of stages and by the looks of it, also has a cool and calm head to go with it. There seems to be only one way forward for the Scottish sensation and that is towards the top. If he continues in this vein, Burke might just be able to reach a level where comparisons to his Welsh counterpart are warranted.
