Three Key Players for Welsh Football's Revival Under Craig Bellamy
Image Credit: Biser Todorov
Welsh football fans are still dreaming about the incredible 2016 Euros run that sparked hope and belief in the future of Welsh football, yet the flames of the dragon have been put out after a disappointing four-year stint under Rob Page. With a round of 16 exit to Switzerland in 2020, a lackluster group exit in the 2022 World Cup, and failure to qualify for the 2024 Euros, a change in manager was inevitable. Craig Bellamy's impressive role as assistant manager for Burnley during their Championship-winning season and his severe attempt at the relegation battle in the Premier League has landed him the job. With Welsh fans' expectations of competing in major tournaments, Bellamy must plug the gaps left by the infamous 2016 squad, with Gareth Bale already retired and Aaron Ramsey struggling to stay fit. Here are my takes on the three players who will be vital in bringing success to Bellamy's side.
Joe Rodon
Born in Swansea, Joe Rodon began playing his football in his hometown's academy and senior squad until a big move to Tottenham. The 6' 4" physical CB plays for Leeds and is essential in their battle for promotion this season. At age 26, Rodon has at least three significant competitions left in him, and his presence on the pitch makes him an excellent option for captaincy after Ramsey retires. Rodon might differ slightly from the flashiest of defenders—a description more suited for Nico Williams. However, his intelligence and sound speed are integral in allowing the wing-backs that Wales has commonly used to advance up the pitch without worrying about being countered. Rodon is comfortable in a back four and five, which will allow him to be present in any tactic that Bellamy decides to run, and his 44 caps for Wales will continue to rise if his performances stay impactful and help Wales reach more significant competitions.
Ruben Colwill
Crossing over South Wales from Swansea to the capital, Ruben Colwill is an exciting young talent that Welsh fans hope to see more of under Bellamy. Colwill has spent all of his career at Cardiff City and, over the last few seasons, has broken into the first team as a crucial player with 96 appearances, yet caps for Wales have been more complex to come by. Aged only 22, Colwill has only been given nine caps for Wales under Rob Page but has been praised for the exciting football he has to offer once he puts on the Welsh shirt. At 6' 2", Colwill has a unique build for an attacking midfielder, which provides Bellamy with a threat that will be unusual for teams to play against. He is technically gifted and has an arsenal of tricks he is fearless in using. There is no doubt that with more confidence given to him by Bellamy, Colwill's one goal for Wales will quickly transform into double-digit numbers and push the team toward the next World Cup.
Brennan Johnson
You can't win games if you don't get the ball over the line, which is something that Welsh fans wish Rob Page had found out sooner. With no Gareth Bale leading the lines, Wales still needs the goal-scoring threat up top, and Bellamy will be looking at Brennan Johnson to help increase the goal tally. English-born but the son of a Welsh mother, Johnson has scored goals at every age for Wales and doesn't look like stopping. Currently playing for Tottenham, Johnson showed his class last season with five goals and ten assists while battling for minutes, a problem he shouldn't have in the Welsh squad. Twenty-three-year-old Johnson is a direct winger with great pace and a wicked cross, perfect for Kiefer Moore and other strikers in the years to come. The Welsh number 9 is the attacking star of this new Bellamy era and will be looking to add to his three goals for Wales and score his first goal at a major tournament for his country.
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