Last night was a special night for Welsh football and one that will stick in the memory of fans for years to come.
A record crowd was there to see the girls make the World Cup playoffs for the first time ever. While the performance wasn’t perhaps what we’ve come to expect from Gemma Grainger’s, it’s another layer to the squad that will be vital going into the playoffs.
For me, there were three players who stood out last night, and these players will be crucial to any success Wales has in the playoffs
Carrie Jones
There’s no doubt that since Grainger has bought Jones into the squad, there’s been a fresh new dynamic to the team.
When she’s on the ball there’s a buzz around the stadium. There’s almost a sense of expectation, and for such a young player, she takes that on in her stride. It’s Bale-esque what she does.
She is not afraid to take the opposition on. The way she can cut in and release a shot is sublime. She can link well with other players, and the relationship she’s had with the left back this campaign, whether it’s Rachel Rowe or Esther Morgan, has been brilliant.
She also has versatility. We saw against France in Llanelli her playing through the middle on her own. She took on Wendie Renard, one of the best footballers in the world, and she did not look out of place.
Jones was certainly unlucky not to get a goal yesterday, but in a game where Wales weren’t their normal exciting selves, a majority of the attacking spark came through Jones. She could well become the best player we’ve produced in Wales and it’s so exciting to see the journey she’s on.
Ceri Holland
While she is slightly older than Jones, there’s no doubting the impact Holland has had on this team.
If we look at her performance last night alone, she played on the wing, and also was more than capable to play in a midfield three along with centurions Angharad James and Sophie Ingle. This versatility is something that has been lacking with Welsh teams of the past, but now some players are happy playing anywhere across the field.
Her work rate is second to none. The way she tracked back and closed down any Slovenian player within her perimeter was fantastic to see and she’s not afraid to get stuck into a tackle if she needs to.
While she has only scored one goal this campaign, we shouldn’t judge the Liverpool forward on that. Her movement off the ball creates chances for her teammates, and that is something that needs to be applauded. She has been a breath of fresh air during this campaign.
Rhiannon Roberts
On the occasion of her 50th cap, Roberts produced a fantastic performance.
Since Grainger’s arrival, we’ve seen the full backs in her system have had licence to go forward, join attacks and whip in dangerous crosses.
Roberts has done that all campaign, but what stood out to me last night was her defensive display.
Up against the dangerous Slovenian captain, Mateja Zver, she stood up and accepted the challenge she would pose. Always positioned herself perfectly and didn’t take risks against her.
What epitomised her performance was in the 94th minute. Robbing the ball off Zver and bullied her way down the field with a minute left, ensuring Wales could see out the game.
Roberts has been a wonderful servant for Wales, and let’s hope the next 50 caps are as good as the first.
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