The rise in prominence of Andros Townsend over the last three months has been nothing short of spectacular.

From a QPR loanee that looked destined to be sold by Tottenham, the 22-year-old winger has established himself for club and country, and is being spoken of as a key man for England at next summer’s World Cup.

The latest news to complete a fantastic ten days for Townsend is the award of a new four-deal contract for the attacker at White Hart Lane.

There is understandable hype around Townsend currently following two excellent performances for the Three Lions in their successful World Cup qualifying efforts, and the spotlight will be on him once more when Spurs travel to Villa Park on Sunday.

But is Townsend the next Gareth Bale or a player that is simply in form?

Following Bale’s world-record transfer to Real Madrid over the summer, new big-money signings such as Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen were expected to fill the sizeable gap left by the Welsh star.

However, it has been Townsend that has risen to the considerable challenge, with similarities between the players rightly being coined.

The 22-year-old is eager to get on the ball and run at defenders; this is proven by the fact that Townsend has undertaken 50 dribbles this season so far for Tottenham in the Premier League – more than any other player in the division.

His speed, trickery and energy are all similar to the outgoing Welsh star, and on occasions for club and country this term Townsend has been devastating on the front foot.

Another facet to Townsend’s game that is similar to that of Bale’s is his inclination to come off his wing in-field and shoot. The Real Madrid man’s time at White Hart Lane, especially in his final 12 months at the club, was defined by it. Bale’s long-range efforts became a feature of Spurs’ attack and won the side plenty of matches with spectacular goals.

Townsend is similar in that he wants to fashion opportunities to shoot. The ex-QPR man has had 26 shots (including blocked) at goal this term already; again more than anyone else in the Premier League.

However, the key difference is that Townsend is yet to score in the Premier League for Tottenham. Many of the White Hart Lane faithful have become frustrated with his seemingly selfish nature at times, with the 22-year-old guilty of taking the ball on himself or shooting from distance when better options are available.

The truth of the matter is that Townsend is still young and has a lot to learn in the game before he can be compared to someone like Gareth Bale. His raw ability is there for all to see and he has all the attributes to be a key player for Spurs and England in the future.

However, his decision-making and final ball need to improve before he can live up to the lofty ambitions placed on him from the British press. In the meantime, the in-form winger should just ride the crest of the wave and enjoy his football at White Hart Lane.