Wales U21 player ratings against Lithuania: A Bluebird soars, while a Red thrives
NEWPORT, WALES - 22 MARCH 2024: Lewis Koumas of Wales celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Qualifier Match for the UEFA Under 21 European Championship Slovakia 2025 between Wales and Lithuania at Rodney Parade on the 22nd of March 2024 (Pic by Ryan Hiscott/FAW)
Wales’ U21 defeated Lithuania 2-1 at Rodney Parade to return top of their European qualification group.
Having gone behind early on, goals from Rubin Colwill and Lewis Koumas dragged Wales to a very important victory.
Here we give our player ratings for Wales’ U21s following their victory against Lithuania.
Wales U21 player ratings
Evan Watts – 5
Made a very poor error for the Lithuanian goal and did look a little shaky but did gain more confidence as the game went on. Made a really crucial save at 1-1.
Fin Stevens © – 6
A solid performance from the captain. Very good going forward and supporting the attack, but also didn’t abandon his defensive duties and helped stall a dangerous Lithuanian counter.
Matt Baker – 5
Was maybe a little nervous? Rodney Parade is his home ground, but he looked a little over roared at times. Could it have been the strength of the Lithuanian forwards? Who knows, but don’t think it was his best night.
Luca Hoole – 6
The best of the three centre backs this evening. Composed when coming out with the ball, and more often than not, was able to find the right pass going forward.
Zac Ashworth – 5
Similar to Baker in a way. Some of his decisions were good, but at the same time there were some aspects of his game that weren’t up to the levels we’ve become so accustomed to of him.
Tom Davies – 7
One of the standouts from the night. Going forward, I thought he was really impressive and really offered something to a dynamic front line. Was solid defensively too.
Oli Hammond – 6
Was a perfect anchor in the midfield. Didn’t let much past him, but some of his passing was a little off, but I think he is an indispensable part of this team and this system.
Joel Cotterill – 5
Was ok, didn’t offer too much, but I think all the players in the midfield struggled tonight to keep the ball and to find the right passes. Was subbed off in the 66th minute.
Luke Harris – 5
Struggled a little bit to express himself and to get involved in the game. Tried to get forward but couldn’t produce an end product.
Rubin Colwill – 9
Head and shoulders above everyone else in this game. You can see his quality and talent shine through, and he really took up the role of a maestro in this game. Has grown a lot as a player in just six months. Subbed off 90th minute.
Pat Jones – 5
Struggled to get into the game in the first half, though he was marked out by Lithuania. Improved in the second half and looked a little livelier but couldn’t make anything happen. Was subbed off in the 75th minute.
Lewis Koumas – 7
On in the 66th minute. A lot of excitement pre-match about what he could do, and he showed why. Incredible finish and was an outlet throughout the second half. He will be a very special player.
Chris Popov – N/A
On in the 75th minute. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.
Oli Ewing – N/A
On in the 90th minute. Good to see him make his debut in the U21s but wasn’t on long enough.
