Inter Milan defender Maicon says Gareth Bale's dazzling performance for Tottenham came as no surprise.
Brazil defender expected star winger to cause him problems
Inter Milan defender Maicon says Gareth Bale's dazzling performance for Tottenham on Tuesday evening came as no surprise.
Young winger Bale repeatedly overpowered the Brazil defender, rated by many as one of the best right-backs in the world, as Spurs stormed to a 3-1 UEFA Champions League victory at White Hart Lane.
Chants of 'Taxi for Maicon' rang from the home crowd as the Welshman produced a superb individual display to inspire the commanding win, playing architect to two of Tottenham's goals with outstanding crosses to follow up his hat-trick in Italy last month.
However Maicon, who was also bamboozled by Bale when Spurs visited the Giuseppe Meazza, says the 21-year-old star's performance was "not a surprise" to him.
"Anyone who knows English football knows who Bale is," added Maicon, speaking to
Football Italia.
"He put in a great performance. All of Tottenham did and with the third goal they sealed it."
Home advantage
The 29-year-old Brazilian feels the White Hart Lane faithful were instrumental in Spurs' victory, adding: "We gave it a go, but Tottenham were also good at making the most of the home advantage."
Maicon says Inter are now fully focused on getting their Group A qualifying campaign back on track, starting with their visit of Dutch champions FC Twente later this month.
"Now we have to immediately look ahead to the next match," he said. "We must beat Twente and are working towards that."
