5 best players for Wales at Euro 2020

The Dragons went out in the last-16 at Euro 2020 with a heavy defeat
The Dragons went out in the last-16 at Euro 2020 with a heavy defeat

If you were to draw out a list of the most disappointing teams of Euro 2020, then big guns like France, Portugal, and Germany would surely rank at the top.

However, among the dark horses, Wales stake a big claim to have flattered to deceive the most.

In their second consecutive appearance on the European stage, the Dragons, who reached the semi-finals in 2016, fell woefully short in their ambitions here.


Five of the best players for Wales at Euro 2020

A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Denmark in the last-16 saw their campaign end in a whimper, going home with just a single victory and a 2-0 defeat of Turkey in Group A to show for their efforts.

However, it wasn't all doom and gloom. These players gave their fans something to cheer about with good performances.

#5 Kieffer Moore

Moore scored Wales' first goal of Euro 2020 against Switzerland
Moore scored Wales' first goal of Euro 2020 against Switzerland

Wales, in recent years, have ridden on the back of Gareth Bale's goalscoring prowess. Now they have a striker around whom they can build their squad.

Kieffer Moore scored against Switzerland in Wales' first group fixture, scoring a header from a tight angle in the 74th minute to equalize and steal a point for his side.

Although it remained his only meaningful piece of action in the campaign, the Cardiff City striker impressed with his hold-up play and showed how effectively he can link-up with other attackers.

At 28, he's currently in the prime of his life and could be a useful figure in their World Cup qualifiers, having already scored twice.


#4 Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey worked hard and played his heart out for Wales
Ramsey worked hard and played his heart out for Wales

While he was not outstanding by any means, Aaron Ramsey was still an important presence on the field for Wales.

He scored a beautiful goal against Turkey, neatly chesting down a cross from Gareth Bale before producing a nonchalant finish beyond Ugurcan Cakir which set the Dragons on their way to a 2-0 victory.

The Juventus star combined a superior technique and powerful running style to drive his side forward, whilst also helping in breaking opposition play with 12 ball recoveries. He also made four tackles.

Ramsey is now in the twilight of his career but continues to deliver for his side.

#3 Joe Rodon

Rodon impressed in his first major tournament for Wales
Rodon impressed in his first major tournament for Wales

Another promising young talent in the Welsh squad, Joe Rodon was arguably the only bright spot in a defense which blew hot and cold before going completely off the boil against Denmark in the last-16.

Tall, athletic, strong and quick in the air, he's an all-round defender with an excellent tactical sense.

Rodon took on strikers like a bull with its horns, showing good marking and using his aerial strengths to avert dangers from the air too. He also registered 22 clearances in four games - more than anyone in the Welsh squad.

He's far from a finished article and, if given more playing time, can truly blossom into an outstanding defender.


#2 Gareth Bale

Bale missed a penalty but made two assists
Bale missed a penalty but made two assists

Gareth Bale may not have enjoyed as much success as he did at Euro 2016, when he was the driving force behind their semi-final finish, but the Real Madrid star registered two assists for his side at Euro 2020.

Both came in a match against Turkey in which the Dragons secured 2-0 through goals from Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts, their first and only victory of the campaign.

He couldn't get on the scoresheet but it wasn't for the lack of tries as Bale registered nine attempts at goal, the most in the Welsh squad, whilst also shouldering the creative burden with elan.


#1 Danny Ward

Ward can expect lucrative offers this summer after starring for Wales at the Euros
Ward can expect lucrative offers this summer after starring for Wales at the Euros

He could've used a better defense in front of him at the Euros. Danny Ward was excellent between the sticks and saved Wales' hiding several times in the campaign. But he wouldn't have had to if he had a semblance of good defense protecting him.

Ward ranks at number two for saves made with 18, together with Ugurcan Cakir (Turkey) and Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark), and kept a clean sheet too.

The 28-year-old hasn't played a league game in four years. And yet the confidence and authority he displayed in goal was remarkable, whilst also reading the game brilliantly and making good ball-distributions.

After his impressive campaign at least, Ward can expect some gametime in the coming season, whether it's with Leicester or somewhere else.

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