Charles Klein
The word hype to me is quite a strange concept. I have a difficult time quantifying exactly what is hype and what is reality. And I think that there are many within the footballing community that have a much harder time than I do with the concept.
One of the more overlooked examples of this is how every time I watch Tottenham Hotspur, whichever commentator is doing the match will inevitably froth at the mouth each time Gareth Bale surges up the left side of the pitch. Now I do rate Gareth Bale and do think that he has loads of potential to be one of the best players in the English Premier League, but I have to say that one player has burst onto the scene of the Premier League (as quietly as one can burst) with much more impact. His name? Javier Hernandez.
Now I must admit, I am a Manchester United supporter, so such a comment will not come as much of a surprise. But when one examines his performances this season, his first in a league which many say is the most difficult to which one may attempt to adapt, one ought to come to same conclusion as myself.
ESPN Soccernet's description illustrates the ignorance that the media has with regards to Mexican footballers. "Even though he is not a short player, he lacks the physical strength required in the Premier League. He could compensate for that with skill and speed while he develops into a more imposing frame."
Pundits prefer to laud Bale because he is a UK based player and Wales has not produced a player of his supposed caliber since Ryan Giggs. And it is only natural for the British media to hype one of its own. Bale has scored two more goals than Hernandez in the league this season and three more goals in the Champions League than Chicharito. But I think it is also fair to say that if Hernandez started every match for United that his goal tallies would be higher.
And how many times has Chicharito saved Manchester United already this season? He scored two crucial goals in United's away tie with Stoke, scored the winner against Albion on New Year's Day, won a key group stage Champions league match in the 80th minute versus Valencia and covered for the absence of Wayne Rooney as United barely missed a beat with Hernandez in the starting eleven.
It will be interesting to follow the career paths of both Bale and Hernandez. The Mexican striker is about seven months older than Bale, but both are at similar stages of their careers. Chicharito is already at one of the biggest clubs any player could hope to play for, while Bale is part of the Spurs revolution, who's destiny appears uncertain. Could both end up playing together in a few year's time?
Hype is a funny business. Teams, players and managers are continually gassed up in the media and then forgotten in the blink of an eye. It was not long ago that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti had "conquered" the English game and had put together an indefatigable squad that would batter any squad. Only time will tell how far Bale and Hernandez will go, but right now it certainly looks like, hype aside, both have bright futures ahead of them.
