The 3-0 win over Turkey in Group A is the best I’ve seen Wales play for a while. They looked 10 times better than against Switzerland and the later kick-off time seemed to suit them as they pressed the ball and played at a higher tempo, with players running past the strikers.
Aaron Ramsey in particular made a load of runs and as Gareth Bale was deeper, he was able to ping balls over the top to him. Ramsey’s perseverance paid off with his goal and he could have had a hat-trick.
Both Bale and Ramsey have had questions asked about them because of a lack of football but both were outstanding. They look like they’re enjoying themselves again – summed up by the fact that between them they created four chances for one another.
True, if Bale’s penalty had gone any higher it might have knocked a satellite out, but he showed character by keeping going and setting up the second goal – most players would have kept the ball in the corner but he went on a dribble instead.
I said before the tournament that I didn’t agree with those people who say Bale doesn’t care. My view is you have to make him feel he’s important, to make him feel at home, and then he plays.
Perhaps when he’s feeling tense and unloved he picks up these strains but either way, people have been mad to write him off. You can see how seriously he takes his responsibility as Wales captain, pushing the other players and going to the manager to suggest things.
It wasn’t just Bale and Ramsey, though. I’ve been impressed by Dan James in both of Wales’s Group A games. As well as his speed, his choices have become better from playing at Manchester United.
Further back, there was a fourth clean sheet in six games and they didn’t really look like conceding – the centre-halves, Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon, were solid and goalkeeper Danny Ward pulled off another good save.
It will be interesting to see what Rob Page does now for the final group game against Italy as, with four points, Wales look in a strong position to reach the knockout stage. After playing the same starting XI twice, he may be tempted to rest some of those who’ve not played too much football – be it Bale or Ramsey or Joe Allen.
I’d be certainly surprised if Kieffer Moore started in Rome as he got battered again. It was stitches against Switzerland and now he had his nose smashed but he’s run his legs off too up front and could do with a rest.
More from i on Euro 2020
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ showing he has perfect blend of silk and steel to be a star
- Where Schick’s strike against Scotland ranks among greatest Euros goals
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2S7rxoq
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