How Wales should lineup against Turkey in decisive Group A showdown
Cardiff, Wales. 5th June 2021. Wales lineup for the national anthem Wales v Albania friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 5th June 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wednesday’s fixture between Wales and Turkey carries a sheer significance that will surely dictate whether both nations progress from Group A. Quite simply, they both need three points.
On Saturday afternoon, a Kieffer Moore header 15 minutes from time was enough to ensure that a somewhat underwhelming performance was disguised with a point against Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Turkey incorporates the mantra of being tipped as the tournament’s dark horses by many, however, they commenced their EURO 2020 campaign unfathomably by losing 3-0 to a strong Italy side.
That Italy side will meet Wales in their final Group A showdown on Sunday- and with players such as Marco Verratti pulling the strings, Ciro Immobile synonymous with goalscoring, and Lorenzo Insigne dancing past opposing defenders with grace, they are the clear favourites of the contest.
Therefore, it’s crucial that the Red Dragons overcome Senol Gunes’ troops so that they aren’t heading into the Italy fixture needing a result. It’s an unrealistic expectation, a very difficult one to attain, and a predicament that no nation would like to find itself in given the strength of Italy this year.
Here is the team that I believe has the best chance of claiming victory over Turkey:
Embed from Getty ImagesGoalkeeper- Danny Ward
In spite of a recent toss-up in goalkeeping starting berths between Danny Ward and Wayne Hennessey, the former now looks to have nailed on his position between the sticks for Wales following an impressive performance to keep his side at bay during the opening encounter.
The 27-year old made a series of fine stops across the affair, denying Fabian Schar and Haris Seferovic at close range before making a crucial save in the dying embers from a Denis Zakaria strike.
His efforts were integral throughout. And for Switzerland, who took the lead minutes into the second half via impressive forward Breel Embolo, the game could well have been beyond doubt were it not for Ward’s heroics.
Ward has rightly earned the adoration of Welsh supporters and with the attacking impetus that Turkey boasts, they will be hoping that he can conjure a similarly sensational showing back in Baku.
Embed from Getty ImagesRight back- Neco Williams
Whilst Welsh compatriot Conor Roberts evidently has his strengths, there is a school of thought that it may just be young Neco Williams’ time to shine in a Welsh jersey.
He has impressed on the International stage, enthralling viewers with his dynamism and adventurous nature going forward, leading many to believe that he is the outstanding candidate for Wales’ fiercely contested right back starting slot.
Roberts was given the nod ahead of Williams in the Switzerland tie, though it was his marking – in which he went astray whilst marking Embolo – that allowed the speedster to find the back of the net following a corner.
Embed from Getty ImagesCentre back- Joe Rodon
Although Wales endured much of the affair under the cosh, tasked with nullifying a threatening strikeforce of Seferovic and Embolo, Joe Rodon remained his usual, solid self at the heart of the backline.
Watching the match unfold, you’d have never thought it was the Spurs defender’s first International tournament given how he handled himself on such a big stage, and he will surely remain a staple of Robert Page’s defence come Wednesday.
Embed from Getty ImagesCentre back- Ben Cabango
Partnering Rodon on the afternoon was Chris Mepham, who had a performance consisting of highs and lows.
At times, he was on guard to register vital interceptions and challenges, however, he also found himself second best on occasions when coming up against the two Switzerland forwards.
Particularly to Seferovic, Mepham was often ousted in the air and that will be something of concern to Page as Turkey’s Yilmaz is renowned for not only his goalscoring, but his physical presence.
Ben Cabango wasn’t included in the opening matchday squad, though his ability to outmuscle opponents and win aerial duels is well-documented and could see him take the place over Mepham for the next game.
Embed from Getty ImagesLeft back- Ben Davies
Ben Davies’ position in the side was a facet of speculation leading up to the Switzerland fixture, with a bulk of supporters wondering if he would be shoehorned into a centre back role as part of the back five that Page likes to deploy.
That wasn’t to be the case, though- Wales opted with a back four, accommodating Davies’ preferred position as a left back. An experienced, mature figurehead in a squad with varying levels of tuition on this stage, Davies’ expertise came to fruition as he organised the defence and implemented a sense of calmness despite the onslaught.
Embed from Getty ImagesCentral midfield- Ethan Ampadu
It would be unfair to coat huge layers of criticism onto Joe Morrell, whose well-executed corner kick duly found the head of Moore to unearth an equaliser, but there was a fair bit to be desired from his overall display.
Wales were completely overrun in the middle of the park, lacking an identity and a real control of the game. Morrell in particular was unable to cut off passing lanes and spent much of the afternoon desperately chasing shadows as Xhaka and co inserted their midfield authority. But most supporters hadn’t anticipated the inclusion of Morrell in the starting XI.
Instead, it was believed that Ethan Ampadu would start the game and you feel some food for thought was promptly given. Ampadu, although only 20, can dictate the tempo and inject composure into the midfield, something that was sorely absent for Wales.
Against Turkey, it’s paramount that they get control of the game early on to prevent their invention and prowess in the final third shining through, and Wales arguably haven’t got a player that can do that better than Ampadu.
Embed from Getty ImagesCentral midfield- Joe Allen
Rather surprisingly, Joe Allen was no exception to Wales’ midfield struggles, frequently being overrun alongside Morrell. However, at his best, Allen is indispensable.
One of Wales’ crowned EURO 2016 heroes, Allen plays the game at an emphatically high tempo and, with an extensive passing range, has also earned the nickname ‘the Welsh Pirlo’ from supporters.
Allen and Ampadu both possess varying skill sets but strike a chord of balance in midfield and have enjoyed a fruitful partnership in the past. They would typically be most people’s choice in the middle for the Turkey clash.
Embed from Getty ImagesAttacking midfield- Aaron Ramsey
Likewise, Aaron Ramsey was another individual who emerged as one of Wales’ darlings five years ago, but couldn’t weave his influence on proceedings against Switzerland.
Due to Wales’ midfield inferiority, Ramsey spent a lot of his time dropping deep and helping out the midfield two of Morrell and Allen, rather than doing what he excels at threading forward passes and driving into attacking areas with possession.
He did dispatch some crafty, creative passes, though, which could’ve struck gold for Wales had someone been on the end to connect.
With hopefully a more compact, organised midfield behind him in the next match, you’d expect Ramsey to flourish and open doors in the Turkey defence.
Embed from Getty ImagesRight winger- Gareth Bale
So often intertwined with footballing stardom and International importance, Gareth Bale wasn’t up to his usual tricks as he was nullified by a tight-knit Switzerland defence. He would’ve hoped for much better after finishing the season in an electrifying vein whilst on loan with Spurs, but he still has plenty to offer this Wales side.
Let’s not forget that he’s the talisman, the crown jewel and the player who Wales’ hopes have been pinned on for over a decade- he’ll be back, and what better game to do that than his nation’s very biggest so far.
Embed from Getty ImagesStriker- Kieffer Moore
Five years ago, when several members of the current Welsh squad were basking in elation and glory over in France, Kieffer Moore was cutting his teeth at then-Vanarama National League outfit Forest Green Rovers.
Five years on and the Cardiff City forward is off the back of a 20 goal season in the Championship and has materialised as a key component for Wales, scoring their first goal of EURO 2020 to salvage a valuable point against Switzerland. He has more than merited that license of significance he now carries and proved to Page, who had chosen alternative striking options in previous friendlies- why he is so important to how they set up.
During the first half, he forced an outrageous save from Yann Sommer and continued to graft despite limited support, eventually reaping the rewards as his domineering header found the back of the net.
His intelligent physical nuances constantly posed a threat to Wales’ opponents, and for that matter, they probably would for any side. Turkey won’t be any pushovers defensively with players such as Juventus’ Merih Demiral and Leicester City man Caglar Soyuncu instilling solidity, but Moore is more than up for that test.
Embed from Getty ImagesLeft winger- Dan James
Speedster Dan James has had a rocky season with Manchester United, but all of his Old Trafford woes were cast aside as he sparkled for Wales and looked their primary threat going forward.
Utilising his directness and blistering pace, James routinely caused problems for Switzerland and clearly had the beating of well-renowned wingback Kevin Mbabu. He also released some precise deliveries and was excellent at transitioning play quickly through counterattacks.
Mystery arose when the wide man was brought off on the 75th minute for David Brooks, though. There’s no denying Brooks is a valuable option, but James was radiating confidence and momentum at that point and could’ve continued his encouraging display against an ever-tiring Swiss defence.
After that fine performance, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet as Wednesday looms on the horizon.
