Darren Bent believes Gareth Bale's winning mentality is having a major influence on Tottenham.
The 31-year-old has made 11 appearances for Spurs since re-joining the club on loan from Real Madrid, although he has fallen behind other attackers in the pecking order when it comes to starting matches in the Premier League.
His only league goal this term sealed a 2-1 win over Brighton in November, with his other two strikes coming in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
Despite failing to hit top form since moving back to north London, former Tottenham man Bent believes the Welshman's experience is proving vital off the pitch.
"His impact on that team has not necessarily been on the pitch," Bent told Football Insider.
"At times [against Stoke], the Bale of old would have got the ball and opened his legs up, push the ball and you could get nowhere near him.
"I wonder, can he still do that?
"Other than his goal, I don’t think Bale pulled up any trees. But he gets the goal and papers over the cracks.
"He showed flashes but I feel like I’m still yet to see him open up and sprint. I wonder, is there still a little bit of an issue there? Is he potentially a little bit unsure in his body because he doesn’t want anything to break down?
"But his impact has been off the pitch in the changing room: it’s his winning mentality.
"You’ve got a manager there who’s a serial winner and you’ve got Bale who’s a serial winner."
Spurs have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League while they will take on Brentford in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup next month. They sit on the cusp of the Premier League's top four following their 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Bale is set to spend the duration of the campaign on loan with Jose Mourinho's side.
His current Real Madrid contract expires in the summer of 2022.
