Rhys is back with his look at who impressed and who fell a little short in the Cymru victory of Montenegro.
A game which had a very ‘work in progress’ feel to it and that’s exactly what Wales are in Bellamy’s revolution. It was pleasing to get the win over the line in the end and despite not being a classic performance (or atmosphere!) there were definitely lots of positives to build on going forward. I discuss which players impressed, and which left me wanting in the return of Rhys’ Ratings!
Embed from Getty ImagesKarl Darlow – Decent distribution when passing short. Decision making could be better when there was a few times where he risked the long ball when the play out short seemed on. Didn’t have a save to make but looks as good for Wales as anything we already had.
Neco Williams – Another great performance from Neco in both attack and defence. Absolutely love the zip he has about his play. Would have loved even more if he had hit that volley he ran onto first time!
Joe Rodon – Really solid for Cymru today, big part of the reason Darlow had little to do back there. I worried initially that he may be exposed if Montenegro played on the counter but his excellent positioning and command of the back line put me completely at ease!
Embed from Getty ImagesBen Cabango – Recycled possession excellently for Wales and looked assured. Won four of his five aerial duels which matched the physicality of Montenegro’s threat. Over to you Chris Mepham to get back into the side I say…
Ben Davies – A dependable performance as usual from Davies. Pushed back out to the left back role, as opposed to the left center back we’ve seen in recent years, but didn’t shy away from pushing Wales up the pitch either. Gives so much attacking freedom to whoever plays ahead of him because he so reliable in defence.
Josh Sheehan – Wow! I’ll admit I’ve been a little surprised by his inclusion in some of the recent squads but he was excellent against Montenegro and thoroughly deserves more minutes in future camps! Dictated play coolly and never shyed away from wanting the ball when Cymru tried to break the press.
Harry Wilson – SEREN Y GÊM 🌟 The best player on the pitch in my opinion, irrespective of the penalty! Outside of his well-taking spot kick he could have had two assists and two goals in the first half alone! No player made more key passes (4), created more big chances (2) and had more shots on target (2) than the Fulham man. Talismanic.
David Brooks – He showed glimpses of the special talent Wales fans know he has tonight. The link up play with Neco was so dangerous and Wales looked like they could score with every attack from that side. Looked rusty in patches but this performance proves he deserves better than just a nine minute cameo (total) in Bournemouth’s last five Premier League matches. Get knocking that door Brooksy!
Wes Burns – looked off the pace against Montenegro but no doubt about his workrate! Plays off the right for Ipswich and I can’t help feeling that this swap to the left may have hindered him.
Liam Cullen – Absent for large parts of the game, particularly in the first half, but grew in confidence as time went on and had some really nice ‘moments’. No where near as ‘bad’ as the outcry from certain fan bases have made out… Still lots to improve on and lots to prove but not awful for his first ever international start.
Mark Harris – Really struggled up top with the physicality of the Montenegrin center backs and didn’t find much room in behind either. Perhaps not the game for him where he may prefer playing on the break? The same boat as Cullen for me where they’ve got all the work to do to prove they can make it at international level.
Joe Allen (sub 59′) – He’s back! Did it feel a bit surreal to anyone else seeing him waltz on? A bit like watching a repeat of a show you watched when you were younger, maybe it’s not quite as good as you remembered but the music/characters that you fell in love with are still there. Joe looked rusty on the night but I think his experience is invaluable to this young side, providing you get legs around him. Croeso nôl Joe!
Nathan Broadhead (sub 69′) – Neat and tidy but couldn’t leave his mark on the match. Probably should have though, after Neco found him with a lovely cross, which he took brilliantly on his chest, but just didn’t shoot!
Embed from Getty ImagesSorba Thomas (sub 69′) – The game was crying out for his directness in that second half! The fact that Montenegro put three players on him at times tells its own story of the threat he brings. Still only 25, I really think he could become a huge player for us.
That’s it for another (unbeaten) international break! Far from perfection but it feels like we’re going in the right direction (that’s not meant to rhyme!). Let me know what you think! @rhyslloydyy @colemans_dream
Who was your standout player on the night? Who left you wanting a bit more? What would rate the performance as a whole?! See you next time!
Feature image courtesy of James @GalloisinFrance