The new season is almost upon us, but one question upon us is, how did Welsh stars perform last season?
Let’s look at the Welsh team of the season based in England. This team has been picked based on games played and overall rating in league matches for the 2019/2020 season.
The data has been compiled from WhoScored, which uses statistics to measure performance.
Lined up in a classic 4-4-2 how do you think this team would do on the international stage?
Embed from Getty ImagesGK – David Cornell – Northampton Town
David Cornell made 33 appearances this season and was part of the Northampton squad to win the League Two play-offs.
Starting out the season as number one he lost his place just before the early curtailment of the League two season.
He scored a rating of 6.77 for his performances. He has since joined Ipswich Town, who will play in the same league as the Cobblers.
Embed from Getty ImagesRB – Connor Roberts – Swansea City
Connor Roberts has established himself as a mainstay for Swansea and helped them to a place in the Championship play-offs.
Firmly part of Ryan Giggs’ plans having earned 16 caps for Wales, the former Boro loanee grabbed a goal and four assists this season. His rating for the season was 6.62.
Embed from Getty ImagesLB – Joe Jacobson – Wycombe Wanderers
A star player in Wycombe’s amazing season. The 33-year-old scored the winning goal in the League One Play-Off final.
With a rating of 7.25 Joe has been one the best Welsh players in the EFL.
Embed from Getty ImagesCB – Joe Rodon – Swansea City
A training ground injury meant Joe hasn’t featured since the Championship restart, but his form before for Swansea scored him a 6.9 rating.
The central defender made a total of 21 appearances and has one assist to his name. As a defender attracting interest from Manchester City, who are managed by Pep Guardiola, a huge advocate of retaining possession, Rodon had an 81.9% passing success percentage.
Embed from Getty ImagesCB – Ashley Williams – Bristol City
At the start of pre-season, Williams wasn’t linked to a club and was a late starter to the league.
He eventually found a home with Bristol City and his performances saw him stay the season at Ashton Gate.
The Wales captain made 32 appearances for the Robins, scoring two goals He had a rating of 6.86 from WhoScored.
Embed from Getty ImagesCM – Joe Morrell – Lincoln City (Loan)
Lincoln City’s Player of the Season, Joe Morrell was a loanee from Bristol City.
Morrell, who made 29 appearances in League One, helping the Imps to a just below mid-table finish.
He scored a rating of 6.85, partly down to the four assists he had that season.
From his loan spell at Sincil Bank, he was earned five caps for the Welsh national team.
Embed from Getty ImagesCM – Will Vaulks – Cardiff City
Before the arrival of Neil Harris, Wales international Will Vaulks was a bit part player at Cardiff City under Neil Warnock.
But when the former Millwall manager arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium, he became a cog in the engine of Cardiff City’s workmanlike midfielder.
Vaulks was part of the Bluebirds side which reached the Play-Off semi-finals.
The tough-tackling midfielder scored a rating of 6.79, just ousting Joe Allen.
Embed from Getty ImagesRM – Tom Lawrence – Derby County
With ten goals and three assists for Derby County in 37 appearances this season, Lawrence has been one of the Rams star players.
Despite a less than memorable season for the Rams as they finished mid-table, Lawrence finished with a rating of 6.97.
Embed from Getty ImagesLM – Dan James – Manchester United
In a season which looked like it offered so much for United, they ended up trophyless.
After reaching three semi-finals, the Red Devils couldn’t progress to the final of the Carabao Cup, Europa League or the FA Cup.
In his 33 appearances in the Premier League, James made six goals and also chipped in with three goals, earning a rating of 6.61
His contribution helped United to a top-four finish, which could now see him line up against Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the Champions League.
Embed from Getty ImagesF – Kieffer Moore – Wigan Athletic
He has since joined Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee, linking up with fellow international Will Vaulks.
Moore is the key performer for a Welsh player in England. His ten goals for the Lactics, see him earn a 7.25 rating.
Embed from Getty ImagesF – Hal Robson-Kanu – West Bromwich Albion
With ten goals in 39 appearances for West Brom this season, his goals were enough to help elevate the Baggies to the Premier League.
It was his early season form which helped secure his place in this side with his form dipping after the restart.
With Robson-Kanu available for Wales again, will Ryan Giggs take note of one of the key performers from last season?
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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