Player ratings – Dai @colemans-dream takes a look at the pluses, and some minuses, from the opening game of Nations League B.
Danny Ward – 6
Embed from Getty ImagesDid nothing wrong and made the one basic save he needed to as a header came straight at him. Once again his distribution is a worry to me but hopefully that’ll improve in time. A decent performance considering how little he had to do.
Connor Roberts – 7
Roberts has been much criticised in recent times and his place in the team under fire. Tonight he reminded us of what he’s capable of and Bellamy played to his strengths. Endless running, good positioning and a real drive to win the ball back when we turned it over.
Joe Rodon – 7
Similar to Roberts, I think Bellamy played to his strengths tonight. He was solid off the ball and strong in the air plus made a few very good tackles. His strength is what he does with the ball and I thought his passing was excellent. He’s got to score though…
Ben Davies – 7
Mr Reliable lived up to that mantra once more. No fuss. Nothing spectacular. Just a solid performance, keeping the ball well and organising those around him effectively. Slipped into the captaincy role easily when Ramsey went off and performing to a high standard.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeco Williams – 6
It felt like he did more of a defensive roll tonight and he didn’t get forward as much as he’d have liked. Was effective without doing too much. His sitting back did allow those in front of him, notably Sorba Thomas, to have more space.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Embed from Getty ImagesI love how much of a bastard he’s capable of being. Basically got Yilmaz booked in the first half and also took his own booking when he needed to. Moved the ball well and broke down attacks. Couldn’t give him more than 7 though, purely for the wasteful overhead kick at the end!
Embed from Getty ImagesJordan James – 7
Love his workrate off the ball and kind of went unseen at times. But he was always an option when is possession and always seemed to snuff out danger when Tuyrkie looked to break or beat our press. Turning into a real gem of a player.
Harry Wilson – 8
I thought he was brilliant. Rode tackles well, looked a real creative threat and was very close to scoring a beauty. His movement to create space for others is brilliant and his energy and pressing abilities were tireless. Another person who I really think Bellamy will play to the strengths of and get the best of.
Embed from Getty ImagesAaron Ramsey – 8
Shared a lot of qualities with Wilson, but I can see why Bellamy kept him as captain. He really understands that pressing trigger point and the other front line players fed off his energy and understanding. Basically played as a false 9 and dragged the Turkish defence all over the place. Should have scored (or at least got on target) his header early doors and that would have capped off an excellent evening. The biggest compliment I can give him is when he (and Thomas) left the action, I thought we ever so slightly lost our way in possession.
Brennan Johnson – 7
Embed from Getty ImagesA real mystery to get the best out of him in a Wales shirt and once again tonight flattered to deceive a little. Some nice moments but at key times (like the pullback to Wilson in the second half) he fluffed his lines a little. Overhit crosses and iffy decision making skills, meant he didn’t perform as he is capable of doing. One thing which did stand out however was a moment toward the end of the first half where he tracked all the way back to support his fullback, and was then furthest up the pitch when we looked to break. I back Bellamy to get the best from him, as that work rate alone, is something we didn’t see under Page.
Sorba Thomas – 9 Man of the Match
Embed from Getty ImagesHappy to see him back in the squad but didn’t expect him to start. Delighted to be proved wrong as he tormented his opposition and helped us create time after time. His running was tireless and was a tiny amount offside before his goal was disallowed. A goal his performance deserved too. If we are talking about players deserving things, he deserved to be on the winning side tonight too after what he gave us. Glad to see him back involved and I hope he can produce like this consistently.
Subs
Kieffer Moore – 5
Didn’t see the best of him after being stamped on soon after coming on. We didn’t play to his strengths and frankly I didn’t think he was in a fit state to continue. Also wonder if Harris may have been a better option for us given how we were playing. Either way, was fine but didn’t make an impact.
Lewis Koumas – 6
Raw, exciting and threatening. But didn’t really create anything of note. Certainly made the defenders take notice of him and he’s clearly a long term asset to us. But didn’t quite click for him despite a positive contribution and performance.
Embed from Getty ImagesOllie Cooper – 5
I understand the decision to bring on Cooper as we were trying to force the game to find a winner but he just couldn’t get into the game. Not all his fault, as the whole game sagged a little toward the end and he couldn’t get anything going. Another one, where perhaps Harris may have been the better option. Maybe I’m being a bit harsh but didn’t do much.
Manager – 9
Embed from Getty ImagesThe new boss must have been delighted with what he saw. 4 days of training and we look a different team. The organisation and pressing was great whilst the speed we did everything at was exhilarating. I love the way he spoke too. “That was the worst you’ll see us do that” says a lot about him. Only reason he didn’t get a 10 is because we didn’t win.
Match highlight
Four minutes in and thinking to myself “oh my god. We are world class”. The pressing, energy and general attitude of the game was a real thrill to watch. This was not a dull 0-0 and it was an exciting match to be a fan of. It makes me feel so positive for the future.