FT: Wales 1 - 0 Bulgaria. Match thread

[Pearcey3]

So did Mepham. He and Rodon were apparently left out (according to reports) due to them being injured for a while and needing to work on their fitness with their clubs. Same with Tom Lawrence.

That wasn't an issue with Chester and looks like he's definitely out of favour. If Williams had played in either game after the performances he put in for Bristol City then I don't think I could handle the anxiety of seeing him likely giving away a needless penalty. He was awful for them and, at 36 and clubless, I think it's time for him to bow out gracefully.

A great shame about Chester. He was superb around 2015/16. His knee seems a big problem. Giggs has some interesting decisions to make going forward. At right back Roberts or Williams? Who are his first choice centre backs now? Does he move Ampadu back to CDM?
When Allen and Ramsey are fit who misses out? With Bale, Moore, Brooks and James also available something would have to give.

[Wales-Bales]

A great shame about Chester. He was superb around 2015/16. His knee seems a big problem. Giggs has some interesting decisions to make going forward. At right back Roberts or Williams? Who are his first choice centre backs now? Does he move Ampadu back to CDM?
When Allen and Ramsey are fit who misses out? With Bale, Moore, Brooks and James also available something would have to give.

I'd like to see Ampadu playing in front of the back 4 as an extra layer of protection for the defence, and it would also give him more freedom in his primary role as a playmaker. He is now our biggest decision maker on the pitch, and most of our attacks start with him, so he doesn't need to be worrying about marking the opposition team's last man. I can't remember Wales ever having a defensive player who was so comfortable on the ball, and we are now well equipped to compete in the modern game.

Regarding the fullback it's got to be Williams. He's a real live wire and tricky going forward. I also like the idea of playing Brooks and Ramsey in the middle, as we seem quite limited only having one creative player there. Of course it would require Ampadu to play at CDF, as he reads the game so well.

But what about Joe Allen? I'm a big fan of what he contributes to team, so maybe he will have to play when we need to be more defensive minded. There are so many other good players too, who can make a real impact coming off the bench. Looking forward to the England game now, that should be a good test of where we are footballing wise.

[Pearcey3]

I'd like to see Ampadu playing in front of the back 4 as an extra layer of protection for the defence, and it would also give him more freedom in his primary role as a playmaker. He is now our biggest decision maker on the pitch, and most of our attacks start with him, so he doesn't need to be worrying about marking the opposition team's last man. I can't remember Wales ever having a defensive player who was so comfortable on the ball, and we are now well equipped to compete in the modern game.

Regarding the fullback it's got to be Williams. He's a real live wire and tricky going forward. I also like the idea of playing Brooks and Ramsey in the middle, as we seem quite limited only having one creative player there. Of course it would require Ampadu to play at CDF, as he reads the game so well.

But what about Joe Allen? I'm a big fan of what he contributes to team, so maybe he will have to play when we need to be more defensive minded. There are so many other good players too, who can make a real impact coming off the bench. Looking forward to the England game now, that should be a good test of where we are footballing wise.

I would prefer Ampadu there too. It gives the flair players the chance to push forward knowing he is there to protect the back four. He is an obvious candidate to be the next captain of Wales. Neco Williams looks like he is on a different level to Roberts and has to start going forward. Hennessey now odds on to be the first Wales player to reach 100 caps as Gunter is now third choice right back

[Wales-Bales]

Hennessey now odds on to be the first Wales player to reach 100 caps as Gunter is now third choice right back

I can see Giggs giving Gunter 4 caps from the bench, as he has been a very loyal servant, and I heard he plays a big part behind the scene and is popular with all the players.

[Pearcey3]

I can see Giggs giving Gunter 4 caps from the bench, as he has been a very loyal servant, and I heard he plays a big part behind the scene and is popular with all the players.

Possibly although he won’t risk winning a match to bring him on. Hennessey now in 91 caps.

[Wales-Bales]

Possibly although he won’t risk winning a match to bring him on. Hennessey now in 91 caps.

Maybe he won't be the first, but I think he will get there eventually

[Wales-Bales]

I also like the idea of playing Brooks and Ramsey in the middle, as we seem quite limited only having one creative player there. Of course it would require Ampadu to play at CDF, as he reads the game so well.

That should be CDM!

[the other bob wilson]

I'd like to see Ampadu playing in front of the back 4 as an extra layer of protection for the defence, and it would also give him more freedom in his primary role as a playmaker. He is now our biggest decision maker on the pitch, and most of our attacks start with him, so he doesn't need to be worrying about marking the opposition team's last man. I can't remember Wales ever having a defensive player who was so comfortable on the ball, and we are now well equipped to compete in the modern game.

Regarding the fullback it's got to be Williams. He's a real live wire and tricky going forward. I also like the idea of playing Brooks and Ramsey in the middle, as we seem quite limited only having one creative player there. Of course it would require Ampadu to play at CDF, as he reads the game so well.

But what about Joe Allen? I'm a big fan of what he contributes to team, so maybe he will have to play when we need to be more defensive minded. There are so many other good players too, who can make a real impact coming off the bench. Looking forward to the England game now, that should be a good test of where we are footballing wise.

I'd use Ampadu in defence because he can make us truly a side which builds from the back for at least as long as Joe Allen keeps on playing after he returns from his injury. I'm listening to that Ryan Giggs podcast and he's just been asked about Ampuda's best position - he said it would depend on how strong we were in the positions he can play in.