Wales captain Ashley Williams hails squad depth of talented squad
Wales captain Ashley Williams has put praise onto the current crop of players, as they take on 2010 World Cup winners Spain at the Principality Stadium tomorrow.
The Wales skipper who has given a decade of service to the national team, captaining them to a European Championship semi-final, says this is the strongest squad he has seen.
The Stoke City defender said: “This is the strongest squad I’ve seen when playing for Wales.”
“I think every position we’ve got one or two players are ready to go into the starting level.”
With two games to play in this international break and one being a friendly, the current set of players, which includes a blend of experience and youth, has given Giggs a selection headache.
Youngsters like David Brooks and Ethan Ampadu were given the nod against Ireland and Denmark, as well as Matthew Smith making an appearance against Ireland.
It’s a feeling of squad depth, This is something that Williams thinks Giggs has, compared to Chris Coleman.
“If I look at the last camp, there’s probably two elevens that could be as strong as each other. You could probably guess the starting eleven even at the Euros.”
Williams sat out of the defeat to Denmark. Brentford defender Chris Mepham started both games, bringing through a younger breed of defenders.
Swansea City’s Joe Rodon has also been called up, whilst Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu is also capable of playing at centre back.
“It gives the older players a bit of a push. When you come here you have to do well.
I think every position we’ve got one or two players are ready to go into the starting level.”
The Wales captain was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game with Spain in which he looks to captain the side against Spain.
The 34-year-old has previous experience of playing at the Principality Stadium, having played under former manager John Toshack.
And tomorrow, Williams will experience the Principality Stadium turf for the first time in seven years.
The roof is also shut for the game, as an expected 50k Wales fans descend onto the capital, to play in the biggest sporting arena in Wales.
Williams said: “I played a few games here, as a professional you want to play in the best stadiums in the world and this is one of them.
I’m sure we’re expecting more fans, with the relationship between the fans and team these days. We know they’ll make noise.”
Wales kick off against Spain at the Principality Stadium tomorrow, with a 19:45 kick off.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
