Nations League: Five things we’d like to see in Wales’ upcoming tournament fixtures
Wales training session at the Vale Resort ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Finland. 31st August 2020. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wales get their Nations League campaign underway this week with games against Finland and Bulgaria.
Manager Ryan Giggs announced his squad last week, which included a mixture of youth and experience with a combination of new and old faces.
Here are five things we’d like to see from Wales in this week’s matches.
Neco Williams’ debut
Premier League winner Neco Williams received his first senior call-up as he looks to stake his claim for either ful-lback spot on the international stage.
The Wrexham-born youngster impressed last season when he played for Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, providing good back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
His attacking nature will be welcomed by Wales fans, as he provides a threat with the ball at his feet. Furthermore, an international debut for the 19-year-old will see him commit his future to Wales after reported interest from England.
Williams’ recent form lead to him securing a new five-year deal which could potentially keep him at Anfield until 2025. He will be looking to carry his form with Liverpool on to the international stage as he competes for a spot in their European Championship squad next summer.
The full-back, who is capable of playing on either flank, could offer competition to Connor Roberts and Ben Davies.
Hal Robson-Kanu’s return
Hal Robson-Kanu has been included in Wales’ squad for the first time since he announced his retirement from international football in August 2018 due to family commitments and the mental and physical toll of playing for his country.
In January 2020, he made himself available for Wales selection again with the hope of being reunited with his compatriots.
His five goals in 44 appearances for Wales is not a true reflection of his contribution to the team’s success. The 31-year-old is known for showing up for Wales when it matters most – he scored winning goals to complete Wales’ comeback against Scotland in 2013 and against Slovakia in Wales’ opening game of Euro 2016. He also broke the deadlock for Wales after a sublime piece of skill in Wales’ quarter-final clash with Belgium in Euro 2016 as well as a crucial late goal in Wales’ away fixture against Moldova in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Wales have seemingly replaced Robson-Kanu with Kieffer Moore, however, the former offers great versatility and can offer a different style of play to the latter. The striker also helped West Bromwich Albion gain promotion to the Premier League last season as he scored ten goals in the league – his most prolific season to date.
Dylan Levitt’s debut
Dylan Levitt is another Welsh youngster champing at the bit to make his senior debut for Wales.
A Manchester United academy graduate, he made his debut for the Red Devils against FC Astana in the Europa League last November where, despite being on the losing side in tough Kazakhstani conditions, he completed 100 passes during his only senior appearance as he showed maturity and composure beyond his years.
Levitt was in contention to be one of the young players who would have been involved in Wales’ friendly matches in March had they not been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Giggs has made clear his admiration of the young midfielder. When interviewed for MUTV, the Wales boss claimed “in training, he’s one of the best. He’s my kind of player – a good character, quiet but tough, and he’s one that I’ll be taking a big look at over the next year or so.’’
The 19-year-old offers something different to his international teammates; his ability to keep the ball ticking in midfield could be vital if Giggs adopts a possession-based approach to a game.
Adapting without Ramsey
Giggs was dealt with a blow recently with the news that Aaron Ramsey had withdrawn from the squad.
The Juventus playmaker’s importance to the squad was emphasised by his two goals from midfield in Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifying decider against Hungary last November.
Harry Wilson is a likely candidate as an alternative to Ramsey. The 23-year-old, who made history as Wales’ youngest ever debutant, has a lot to offer in terms of chance creation. The Liverpool man is very comfortable with the ball at his feet – with both passing and dribbling being strong points of his – and he has an eye for goal with his shots from range often causing problems for goalkeepers.
A more abstract alternative for Ramsey is Jonny Williams. The midfielder, who plies his trade with League One outfit Charlton Athletic, has the ability to create chances for his teammates with his range of passing and ability to find space often causing problems for defenders.
Giggs called upon Williams when chasing a goal against Azerbaijan at the Cardiff City Stadium, and his creativity helped Wales to find a late winner against a well-structured Azerbaijan side.
Youthful centre-halves
Another player to withdraw from the squad is captain Ashley Williams.
The 36-year-old has won 86 caps for Wales, and was a regular at the back during Chris Coleman’s tenure. Being Wales’ fourth most capped player of all-time, his experience in the dressing room will be missed. His absence does, however, open up an opportunity to see a different centre-half partnership.
20-year-old Swansea City defender Ben Cabango could be in line to win his first senior cap for Wales. Standing at 6’2″ tall, the defender, who enjoyed a loan spell at The New Saints in the 2018-19 campaign, is adept in the air as well as being able to play out from the back.
Inexperience in the position may become an issue, however, with other centre-half options Ethan Ampadu, Tom Lockyer and James Lawrence having played just 29 times for Wales between them.
(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD)
