Wales vs Montenegro player ratings: star man gets 9 as Bellamy makes history
Brennan Johnson of Wales celebrates scoring his sides first goal. Iceland v Wales in the UEFA Nations League at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium on the 11th October 2024.
Craig Bellamy made history as he became the first Wales men’s manager to win his opening four competitive fixtures with a dominant 1-0 win against Montenegro at The Cardiff City Stadium.
Harry Wilson stepped up to convert from the penalty spot in the 36th minute as his third goal in as many games for Wales earned them the three points.
Here is the look at how each player performed in the commanding victory.
Karl Darlow – 6
It was a quiet night for Darlow on his second appearance with Montenegro offering little in terms of a goal threat bar a long range effort that struck the bar. He was composed playing our from the back and his distribution overall was good.
Ben Cabango – 7
Cabango played his part in the disciplined and organised defence that kept the visitors out pretty comfortably. He didn’t take any risks and looked after the ball well, making some important headers from deep crosses.
Joe Rodon – 8
Rodon continued his fine form at the back for Wales as he won near enough everything that was sent into their box. He showed real leadership whilst partnered with the lesser experienced Cabango next to him.
Ben Davies – 7
On his 90th appearance for Wales he was shifted out to full back in the absence of Connor Roberts. He was reliably solid all night with Montenegro having no luck down his side of the field.
Neco Williams – 8
Williams made some great movement down the right hand side creating multiple crossing chances that they should have capitalised on. He was defensively sound regaining possession on multiple occasions for his side.
Wes Burns – 6
Burns offered some bright sparks down the left side and caused issues with his blistering pace but was unable to find the killer pass in the final third to add to the lead.
Josh Sheehan – 8
In a midfield that was missing Jordan James and Ethan Ampadu, Sheehan really stepped up and gave a commanding performance in the middle of the park. He worked hard on both sides of the ball and utilised his range of passing skills to drive Wales up the field. He would have done himself no harm in attempts to push for a starting spot with the limited numbers in midfield.
David Brooks – 7
Brooks produced some really good work down the right side in the first half linking up well with Harry Wilson. He created some shooting opportunities at goal but couldn’t quite find the finishing touch.
Harry Wilson – 9
Wilson has really stepped up since the arrival of Bellamy and now looks to be the star man in this Welsh side. Every time they did something well he had an involvement in it, including winning and stepping up to cooly convert from the spot to give them the lead.
Liam Cullen – 6
After a difficult first half Cullen produced some exciting moments in the second creating chances for the side that they couldn’t quite capitalise on.
Mark Harris – 8
In his first start for Wales Harris worked tirelessly constantly applying pressure to the Montenegro defence and forcing them multiple times into conceding possession. He didn’t get the goal his efforts deserved but was a vital figure in the win.
Joe Allen – 6
Allen entered the field on the hour mark to make his first appearance in a Welsh shirt in 685 days. He showed all his experience during his time on the field retaining possession and making some important defensive contributions.
Sorba Thomas – 5
A second half substitute for Wales causing issues for the away side with his movement into the middle of the pitch.
Nathan Broadhead – 5
Had a great opportunity to kill the game but couldn’t quite take it. He helped the side over the line in the final moments.
Ollie Cooper – 5
A late substitute for Wales helping them over the line in the final moments.
Kieffer Moore – 5
A late substitute for Wales helping them over the line in the final moments.
