As we head into a new year, we will be hoping that it is better than 2020. A year plagued by the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic also jeopardised the beautiful game.
In spite of the virus’ destruction, last year still bore success for many. In particular, which Welshmen tasted the most success across the year?
Embed from Getty ImagesRyan Hedges
Starting off the list is Aberdeen forward Ryan Hedges, who has been in stellar form for the Dons this campaign. Contributing to seven goals in nineteen appearances for Derek McInness’ men, the former Swansea man is enjoying arguably the best spell of his career to date and such performances could well lead to his reinstatement in the Welsh National team.
Hedges, who has emerged as one of the most proficient performers at the Pittodrie Stadium, will be looking to keep up his dazzling form as Aberdeen continue their pursuit on second-placed Celtic.
Embed from Getty ImagesJosh Sheehan
Currently plying his trade for League Two outfit Newport County, it was a monumental year for twenty-five year old midfielder Josh Sheehan. A classy central midfielder with a wide skill set, Sheehan has been an integral figure in The Exiles’ promotion push this campaign.
As a result, the Newport man was rewarded for his efforts with a first call-up to the Welsh senior team, subsequently making his debut at the Liberty Stadium against USA in November. Sheehan’s instrumental importance at Rodney Parade has been exemplified to great extent, staggeringly playing every minute for Michael Flynn’s side.
With mercurial forward Scott Twine recalled by parent club Swindon Town, the Amber Army will be more dependent on the influential Welshman than ever before if they are to achieve their first promotion to the third tier since being reformed in 1989.
Embed from Getty ImagesBen Cabango
At the start of the year, Swansea City’s Ben Cabango was somewhat of an unknown quantity, with only five league appearances to his name. But by the end of it, the youthful defender had debuted for his country and announced himself as a mainstay in the Swansea City backline.
The Swans, who boast the best defensive record in the division, currently sit second in the league after a resounding 2-1 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Watford. And Cabango has proved influential in what has been a captivating campaign thus far at the Liberty Stadium, registering seventeen appearances as part of a formidable line of defence in South Wales.
In addition to this, the Welsh International boasts one of the highest average match ratings in the Swansea ranks, a real testament to the quality possessed by the prodigious young defender. As Cabango continues to flourish, it seems to be an matter of how long Swansea are able to keep hold of their prized academy product.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrennan Johnson
One of the classiest performers in the third tier, Lincoln City’s Brennan Johnson has been nothing short of sensational in the Imps’ promotion conquest this term. With five strikes to his name and a further two assists to guide Lincoln to the top of the table. Johnson’s sublime showings at the LNER subsequently earned him a Welsh senior debut, embracing his first cap against USA in November.
Capable of thriving anywhere across the frontline, the fledgling forward seemingly has a glittering career ahead of him- something which parent club Nottingham Forest have clearly identified as they seek to recall the young starlet to aid their relegation battle. Enrapturing, enthralling and extremely enjoyable to watch, Johnson inevitably has a host of International opportunities coming his way if he continues to sparkle.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeco Williams
Next up is Liverpool’s Neco Williams, who enjoyed a truly meteoritic rise in 2020. A modern day, attack-minded full-back with an air of adventure to his game, the Liverpool Academy product made twenty appearances for his boyhood club across an extremely successful year for the teenage prospect.
Still only nineteen, Williams also made his mark Internationally as he established himself in the Red Dragons’ backline. Along with this, the Wrexham-born right back endeared himself to the Welsh faithful after coming off the bench to find the back of the net in injury time against Bulgaria, sending the Nation into ecstasy. An impressive performer at both club level and on the International stage, expect to see a lot more of Neco Williams in 2021 as he continues to shine.
Embed from Getty ImagesLuke Jephcott
Another youngster to glisten in a gloomy year, Plymouth Argyle’s Luke Jephcott has swiftly emerged as a pivotal performer at Home Park. The Welsh forward- who joined the Argyle youth ranks at the age of fourteen- has made the ascendancy to senior football look effortless with a series of stunning performances for the Devon-based outfit.
After helping Plymouth to promotion last campaign with seven strikes in fourteen outings, the twenty-year old has continued his ferocious form in League One- finding the back of the net twelve times in seventeen appearances as Ryan Lowe’s side sit a respectable fifteenth. Blessed with an instinctive aura and a natural eye for goal, a Welsh senior call-up seems imminent for League One’s top goalscorer.
Embed from Getty ImagesKieffer Moore
A figure of adoration in the Welsh Capital, Welsh striker Kieffer Moore enjoyed the best year of his career to date. After hitting double digits for Wigan Athletic last term, the towering forward was rewarded for his exploits with a £2M move to Neil Harris’ Cardiff City in the summer of 2020.
Since then, Moore has continued to impress, finding the back of the net eight times for the Bluebirds and emblazoning his name into Ryan Giggs’ plans on the International stage. Currently on the sidelines owing to hamstring injury sustained in the South Wales Derby, Moore is imperative to City- and it is no coincidence that Cardiff have deteriorated in his much-felt absence. After such a scintillating year, Kieffer will be hoping for more of the same in 2021.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Jacobson
Unlike some of the names on this list, Wycombe Wanderers stalwart Joe Jacobson does not have time on his side. In fact, quite the opposite. But that does not mean the thirty-four year old is immune to wealths of success.
After plying his trade in the lower leagues, Jacobson played an influential role in helping The Chairboys to a shock promotion, thus handing him the first opportunity to play Championship football since his formative years in the Welsh Capital.
Whilst the Buckinghamshire-based side have unsurprisingly struggled in England’s second tier, the veteran defender has continued to catch the eye, contributing to six goals this campaign. Ironically, one of Jacobson’s four assists came against boyhood club Cardiff City, an illustration of how far the Welshman has come.
Aaron Ramsey
Although Aaron Ramsey was unable to stamp his authority on the Juventus midfield and establish a regular starting spot, last year was still an undoubted success for the Wizardly Welshman as he helped the Old Lady to their ninth successive league title.
Whilst such a feat is commonplace at the Allianz Stadium, it was the first league title on Ramsey’s illustrious CV. Something of a National hero back at home owing to his International exploits, an achievement of that degree still seems rather overdue for a player of Ramsey’s quality. However, with a no-longer illusive league title ticked off, what else can the former Arsenal midfielder get his hands on in 2021?
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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