Why Wales Victory Over Finland and Bulgaria Bodes Well for the Future

Wales registered a 1-0 win against Finland and Bulgaria this month, results that could prove to be hugely important in the history of the national team.

Whilst two modest wins courtesy of a late goals from Kieffer Moore against Iceland and Neco Williams against Bulgaria might not seem like a benchmark for Ryan Giggs’ side, the youthful element to his squad gave rise for positivity for the future of the teams’ fortunes.

Wales have enjoyed a resurgence of late, appearing at the first major national finals in over half a century in Euro 2016, but narrowly missing out on the 2018 World Cup. However, a successful campaign to qualify for the 2018 European Championships, to be contested next summer, showed a degree of progress and consistency.

The obvious talisman right now is Gareth Bale, a player with star quality despite his lack of game time at Real Madrid. Understandably, there must be a succession plan, otherwise he could become the next Giggs – a player who failed to leave a legacy when he quit the international scene.

The playing legacy of Ryan Giggs, in terms of international football, might have been insignificant, but his impact as the Welsh manager is proving to be more successful. He is currently bringing through a selection of exciting youngsters, many of whom started the games against Finland and Bulgaria, and perhaps gave a statement of intent for the team’s future.

The obvious future star in the Welsh ranks is wide man Daniel James.

James moved from Swansea to Manchester United last summer, following a collapsed move to Leeds in January 2019, but domestically he has not been a roaring success. A feature on Premier League goals by Bwin Sports explains how Manchester United were not one of the high-scoring sides in the division last season, and James’ was a part of that rather lacklustre attack before play resumed in the summer. However, his outings for Giggs’ side have been in sharp contrast to his domestic form, making him a key part of an exciting future.

He is still an exciting prospect for Wales and there are parallels to be drawn between him, a left-sided attacker, and the United legend. Both have played for Manchester United and Wales and both have great speed and ability to go passed players. If anyone can ensure James remains key for Wales, it is Giggs.

James is joined in the side by his Manchester United teammate Dylan Levitt, a thrilling prospect who has yet to break through at United. Exposure to regular international football will doubtless aid his quest for more game time at Old Trafford, and at just 19 years of age, he looks to be another key part of Wales’ future. Wales Online reports he was the 16th player to be given an international debut by Giggs, a sure sign that the Class of ’92 member is looking to build for the future.

Ethan Ampadu is another to keep a keen eye on; he is on the books of Chelsea, having joined them from Exeter City as a 16-year-old and spent time on loan with Red Bull Leipzig last season. He is still only 19 and yet has been noted as an exciting up and coming player for three years now, and he gave a calm and assured performance for his country against Finland.

It would be remiss not to mention midfielder schemer Joe Morrell too, a Bristol City academy graduate who has seen a sharp rise in his reputation over the last 12 months. He started 2019 as an outcast at Ashton Gate, loaned to League One side Lincoln City. Fast forward 12 months and he is a firm fixture in the national team, having won Player of the Year at the LNER Stadium. He might be a natural successor to Juventus man Aaron Ramsey, another key component of the Euro 2016 run.

Two wins don’t create a future, a couple of decent outings from a young player does not make a career, but in beating Finland and Bulgaria, there is a renewed sense of optimism around the Wales camp, and that can only bode well for the future.