adminCARDIFF. — Gareth Bale is the key to Wales’ Euro 2016 hopes, says Welsh legend Ian Rush, as Chris Coleman’s dragons prepare for a first appearance at a major tournament for 58 years.
Wales have many talented footballers. But legends such as John Charles, John Toshack, Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs were all world-class competitors who never played at a major finals in the red shirt.
Now Welsh fans have been planning their trips to France since last October when Wales confirmed their Euro 2016 place behind Belgium in their qualifying group.
Real Madrid’s Bale — the world’s most expensive player at about 100 million euros ($111 million) — is the star of the squad. The 26-year-old netted seven of Wales’ 11 goals in their 10 qualifying games and Rush told AFP keeping the winger fit is key to Wales’ chances at the tournament.
“He’s the most expensive player in the world, who can win you games, and he’s virtually got Wales to the Euros,” Rush said. “I think it’s very important to have Gareth Bale fit and well. If we can do that, anything can happen.”
Wales manager Chris Coleman insists his squad, who he describes as ‘talented, hard-working and organised’, is more than just Bale, with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey a key figure in midfield and captain Ashley Williams leading the defence.
“You need players of Gareth’s ability if you are going to go that step further,” Coleman told AFP.
“But it’s not just about Gareth.
“He scored seven goals for us in the qualifiers, but we only conceded four goals, two of which came in one game, so while we are strong at one end of the pitch, we’re also strong at the other.” — AFP.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter