The five German-born Wales internationals
Cardiff, Wales 18/11/19. Wales goalkeeper Adam Davies at the Wales v Hungary Match Day 1 Training Session at Hensol Castle. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
With football in Britain only coming back most recently, many Wales fans’ attention had turned to the German leagues.
The likes of Rabbi Matondo, James Lawrence and Ethan Ampadu are all currently plying their trade in Germany.
There are five German-born players who have gone on to represent Wales at an international level, as we take a look at their individual stories.
Embed from Getty ImagesDarren Barnard
Born in Rinteln, slightly west to Hanover, Germany, Darren Barnard went on to make 24 caps for Wales between 1998 and 2004.
The left wing-back, who could also play in midfield, started out at Wokingham Town, before making the move to Chelsea in 1990.
Barnard spent five years at the Bridge but found minutes hard to come by, playing just 29 times for the Blues.
Appearances came far more regular during spells at Bristol City and Barnsley, as Barnard played over 200 games for the latter.
It was during Barnard’s spell at Barnsley that most of his international caps came, reaching a total of 24 for the National Team.
After leaving the Tykes in 2002, spells at Grimsby Town and Aldershot Town were followed by 100 appearances for Camberley Town, who Barnard managed between 2011 and 2012.
Embed from Getty ImagesGeorge Berry
Born in Bad Zwischenahn in Lower Saxony, Germany, George Berry was another who went on to put on the Wales shirt.
Starting out at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the centre-back played most of his career appearances at Stoke City, making a total of 261 appearances for the two clubs respectively.
It was towards the end of his Wolves career and the start of his time at the Potters that Berry featured on the international stage.
The centre-back went on to make five appearances for Wales between 1979 and 1983.
Embed from Getty ImagesAdam Davies
Another Welsh international born in Riteln, Adam Davies went on to make his Wales debut against Trinidad & Tobago at The Racecourse in 2019.
Without making an appearance for Sheffield Wednesday, the goalkeeper left the Owls to join Barnsley in 2014 and went on to become a regular at Oakwell, making 184 appearances for the club.
Davies left the Tykes in 2019, signing for Stoke City, who were then managed by fellow Welshman Nathan Jones, but the goalkeeper has strugged for game-time for the Potters, making just one appearance since signing.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlan Neilson
Despite being born in Wegberg on the West border of Germany, Alan Neilson began his career at Newcastle United.
The defender played 42 times for the club between 1991 and 1995, during which he made five caps for Wales.
Neilson went on to play for the likes of Southampton Fulham, Grimsby Town and Luton Town.
The Wales international took caretaker charge of the latter on the seperate occasions, in 2009, 2012 and 2013.
Embed from Getty ImagesDavid Phillips
Much like Alan Neilson, David Phillips was also born in Wegberg, Germany and went on to put on the famous Wales shirt.
The midfielder made a remarkable amount of appearances during his career, making 62 caps for Wales between 1984 and 1996, along with 620 games under his belt at club level.
The majority of Phillips’ games came at Coventry City, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, but also featured regularly at Plymouth Argyle and Manchester City.
During Phillips’ time at Coventry City, the Sky Blues were crowned FA Cup winners in the 1986-1987 season, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in extra time in the final.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
