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I'm probably in a minority of 1, but aren't the U21s effectively a feed into the senior side? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for a player at that level to represent Wales at senior level as opposed to staying in the 21's for one game? I'm not sure how these things work, But I doubt very much that apart from the players, Their Families management and the bods at the Welsh FA, nobody really cares that much about the 21's, it's essentially a holding pen😂
If they win they become the first ever Wales u21 team to qualify for a major tournament, with the added experience & exposure from that (should the qualify) I think its worth skipping them being an unused sub against Iceland/Montenegro
The u21s and seniors train together a fair bit as well so its not like they'd miss a huge amount from that
Here's what I said to CN and I think it covers this: If they win they become the first ever Wales u21 team to qualify for a major tournament, with the added experience & exposure from that (should the qualify) I think its worth skipping them being an unused sub against Iceland/Montenegro
Did Colwill benefit more from sitting on the bench in Montenegro than he would have playing away against Iceland u21s where he would be the main man having to take on a larger responsibility? If its a decision between playing for the seniors and playing for the u21s then there's an obvious answer that of course they should play for the seniors, but benchwarmer v starter is a different question (In my opinion)
Its a little different though isn't it by virtue of being invitational rather than based on transfers, contracts etc? International squads, by their nature, are a lot more flexible than a club's first team and there isn't pressure to play a certain player because he was a big signing/on big money as there is in the club game. At the end of the day those youngsters are what you're stuck with so there's a more linear progression from the u21s into the first team than you get with clubs
Also the gap between internationals mean you have plenty of other opportunities to stake a claim for a squad spot outside of international camps, so its different to club youth football again in that respect
That’s also a good point. I was thinking that many posters would be apoplectic at the thought of a player like Jo Allen would get picked and subbed before some of the younger players if it was City game. Also, I’m guessing we’re not expecting a Montenegro side to be a major challenge at home. Would be ideal for someone like Colwill. I’m swinging like a pendulum here! Part of me thinks that Bellamy may be a bit jumpy and doesn’t want a banana skin at home. I’m also concerned at my use of football cliches!
I think the under 21 fixture against the Czech Republic is more important than the Nations League matches we’re going to play - representing Wales in the Finals of the biggest UEFA age group competition would be great for the development of all concerned while, surely, making it more likely that more of them will eventually play for the senior team.
If the U21’s qualify, it will give all those who go to that tournament, tournament experience, which would surely be a benefit for those players if they then went on to represent the seniors at a tournament.
On their win, draw, lose record over the last five years, which of those mentioned would be able to get us enough points to stay up?
Notice some of the stats show some only achieving 30-35% of the points available
Sorry posted in error