A meteoric rise through the leagues like Kieffer Moore’s is one typically reserved for fairy tales, but the towering forward has proved luck is far from the only thing that brought him to the forefront of Welsh football.
Once a part-time lifeguard, the Wigan Athletic striker has forced his way into Ryan Giggs’ plans and after recent performances seems unlikely to relinquish his role leading the Welsh front line.
Capped by England C in 2016, the forward even has Italian blood in his veins – evident from middle names Roberto Francisco – but it is a particularly proud grandparent that provides his Welsh heritage.
An international debut against Belarus in September introduced the 27-year-old to life within the Welsh camp, and Moore hasn’t looked back since.
A crucial goal against Slovakia in only his second Welsh start kept the qualifying campaign momentum going, and the physical target-man is showing that he has much more to his game.
A match-up against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia this Sunday would be his toughest test in a Wales shirt so far, and Moore showcased just why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet if he’s able to maintain his form.
In a game with very few chances, it was the little things that made the former Ipswich man so influential on the night.
Battle-tested from his non-league days at Truro City and Dorchester Town, the forward showed no fear against top-flight defenders in Dejan Lovren – a Champions League winner – and Domagoj Vida, who played a big role in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final.
Owning the aerial duel, Moore provided a constant threat in the air and showed exquisite touch on occasion, calmly bringing the ball down under pressure before bringing others into play.
Substituted after 86 minutes, he received warm applause from the Wales faithful for his efforts, the Red Wall recognising just how hard the striker had worked to relieve pressure on the Welsh backline.
With crucial qualifying games against Azerbaijan and Hungary in November, Giggs will be hoping the striker can keep his good performances going until the next international break comes around.
If he does, one thing is certain: you can expect to see much more of Giggs’ new target-man in the Welsh squad for years to come.
(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD)
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