Wales player ratings as they bounce back with win over Austria
NEWPORT, WALES - 7 SEPTEMBER 2025: Tanatswa Nyakuhwa of Wales celebrates scoring his sides first goal. Cymru u21 v Denmark in a UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier at Rodney Parade on the 8th September 2025 (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Wales’ U21s bounced back from their defeat to Belgium in style, as they defeated Austria 2-0 away from home.
Gabriele Biancheri capitalised on a defensive error in the first half to put Cymru ahead, before Chris Popov sealed the win in the 90th minute with a goal against the run of play.
Here’s how we rate the performance of every Wales player who played out in Linz against Austria.
WALES U21 PLAYER RATINGS VS. AUSTRIA
Lewys Benjamin: 7/10
Unlike against Belgium, Benjamin did not have too much to do for two thirds of the game, but when he was called upon in the second half, the Wolves shot stopper made a string of good saves to preserve Wales’ advantage.
Archie Harris: 6/10
The big difference between Harris’ performance against Belgium and this one tonight was his forward thinking. In the first half he made a number of overlapping runs to try and create space. Second half was a little trickier as he tried to stop crosses going into the box, but a marked improvement.
Dan Cox: 6/10
Similar to Harris in a sense. Cox wasn’t tested in the first half, and much of that came down to good communication and good positioning. The second half was a little more frantic, but Cox kept his head really well.
George Nevett: 7/10
Nevett added plenty of height to Matty Jones’ side, but he also provided strength, and that was something he utilised so well. The way he eased players off the ball and was able to win aerial duels is something Wales have lost in recent games.
Jonathan Bland: 6/10
After the Belgium debacle, it was important for everyone who played to show improvement in this game, and Bland did just that. Didn’t give Austria a sniff in the first half and showed good resilience in the second half. Subbed off 74th minute.
Kai Andrews: 7/10
That’s the kind of performance where you begin to understand why Craig Bellamy called him up to the senior squad so early. Andrews played in a deeper role than he did on Friday night, and he looked assured in winning balls back and starting attacks.
Charlie Crew: 7/10
Crew displayed strong box-to-box qualities in Linz. One minute he’s aiding the likes of Andrews, and the next he’s making a darting run forward to give options to his forward players. He’s going to be key to this squad going forward. Subbed off 84th minute.
Wales player ratings vs. Belgium
Calum Agius: 6/10
Good energy throughout from Agius. It really wasn’t easy in the second half with the pressure Austria were putting on Wales, but the likes of Agius stood tall on responded to everything that was thrown at them.
Cameron Congreve: 7/10
Particularly in the first half, Congreve was the bright spark again for Wales. Always offers himself out wide and is always looking to cut inside from the wing and cause defenders problems. In a poor start to the campaign, he’s been Wales’ best player so far. Subbed off 74th minute.
Gabriele Biancheri: 8/10
You can understand why other nations want Biancheri looking at his performance. Very busy and energetic, while his goal was well taken; showed great composure to be able to take the ball round the keeper. A very good first start for the U21s. Subbed off 64th minute.
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa: 7/10
A very intense performance from Nyakuhwa. Didn’t have too much service down the left, however his pressing was immense. Gave the Austrian defenders a torrid time, and he looked lively during his time on the pitch. Subbed off 64th minute.
Freddie Issaka: 6/10
Subbed on 64th minute. Came on when Wales were on the back foot, but he was tenacious at the top end of the field. Latched onto any loose ball and wanted to stretch the game in Wales’ favour.
Luke Harris: 7/10
Subbed on 64th minute. Not only did Harris did well up front and provided the assist for Popov’s goal, but the way he raced back to defend and make sliding tackles was a side of him we have rarely seen in a Wales shirt.
Ben Hammond: 6/10
Subbed on 74th minute. Did exactly what you want from a substitute when the game is tense. Put his body on the line, battled for everything, and he was another who really pulled Wales through this game.
Chris Popov: 7/10
Subbed on 74th minute. Like Issaka, he came on with a job to do, and he did it. Popov is one of the oldest players in this U21 setup, and he’s such an asset to have off the bench for Jones.
Thierry Katsukunya: N/A
Subbed on 84th minute. Wasn’t on the field long enough to make an impact.
Matty Jones: 7/10
You can’t help but be delighted for Jones and his staff. After two bruising defeats, it was important for Jones to respond, and he did just that. His tactics were spot on, his substitutions were used at the right time, and he comes away from Austria with a superb win.
