GEORGIA BEST
No Bale but we’ve got one of Europe’s top midfielders to steer us to glory
JOE ALLEN is one of the best midfielders in Europe and as important to Wales as Gareth Bale, according to team-mate Dave Edwards.
Chris Coleman’s Welsh squad flew to Georgia yesterday for the first of their final two World Cup qualifiers. Wales are second in Group D and unbeaten but their hopes of reaching Russia 2018 are on a knife-edge.
They are without star man Bale for their final two qualifiers due to a calf injury in a devastating blow.
But Wales midfielder Edwards, who has 41 caps, insists they can rely on Stoke schemer Allen in Tbilisi.
The 27-year-old was in the Euro 2016 team of the tournament after Wales reached the semi-finals, ahead of Real Madrid ace Bale.
Allen’s passing prowess saw him selected by a number of technical observers, including Sir Alex Ferguson. And Reading midfielder Edwards feels Allen’s ability will be vital against Georgia, who are expected to provide stiff opposition.
“I’d want to have Joe Allen in that midfield every day of the week,” he said.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in the Europe. I watch him train and he’s something else.
“The way he can carry a team in the way he’s done in previous games for Wales has shown he’s become as integral to us as Gareth.”
Allen’s displays in his 37 appearances have made him a cult hero among Wales supporters .
He was named the fans’ player of the year this week at the FAW annual awards.
There will be a 2,000 sell-out away allocation in Georgia tomorrow night where their song about Allen is sure to be heard.
Wales got six points last month from a doubleheader against Austria and Moldova, where they won both games with late goals.
And former Liverpool midfielder Allen, collecting his award, said: “It is really cool, I have had a few songs about me that probably weren’t so positive so it is nice. Our fans getting behind us makes the difference.”
Georgia are ranked 103rd in the world, way behind Wales in 13th. But they impressed in a 1–1 draw in Cardiff a year ago and their enterprising displays belie fifth place in the table.