Tactical tinkering, young guns firing and why Wilson has bright Wales future
EDISON Cavani’s goal was the difference between Wales capping the start of the Ryan Giggs era with a piece of silverware. Football writer IAN
MITCHELMORE runs through the key topics of discussion from Wales’ defeat to Uruguay in the final of the China Cup...
A tactical shift from Giggs
HAVING deployed three central defenders against China, Giggs went with the back four of Chris Gunter, James Chester, Ashley Williams and Ben Davies for the China Cup final.
It allowed Declan John the freedom to burst up the left wing, an invitation he was more than willing to accept while the front three of Harry Wilson, Gareth Bale and Sam Vokes looked very encouraging at times, especially in the first half.
Given that it was only the second match of the Manchester United legend’s tenure, it’s evident that he’s still trying to get his own ideas across.
And Giggs was a constant fixture on the edge of his technical area, continuously barking orders at the men on the pitch although he was quick to praise his players when needed too.
It remains to be seen whether Giggs will continue with four at the back or if he’ll deploy wing-backs in the future, but he’s shown he’s willing to experiment in the early days of his reign in the hope that when the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifying games come around, he’ll know exactly how best to set-up his defence.
Youngsters get their chance on big stage
URUGUAY were always going to provide far sterner opposition than what Wales faced in Giggs’ first match in charge of the national side.
But having persisted with the same 11 that started against China for the final against the South Americans, youngsters Harry Wilson and Declan John impressed again.
And having given Chris Mepham his international debut against China, Giggs handed both Swansea City defender Connor Roberts and Preston forward Billy Bodin the same honour on the hour mark of the contest with Uruguay.
Giggs admitted before the China Cup campaign that he would have no issues with thrusting the young guns into the limelight having had the same experience as a player himself with both Manchester United and Wales.
And while it’s still early days, the glimpses that we’ve had of the future generation have been encouraging.
Harry Wilson can be the star of the Giggs era
HE had a long wait for his second international cap, but Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson took his chance to shine against China by scoring his first goal for Wales.
And having impressed against the tournament hosts, Wilson retained his place in Giggs’ starting 11 for the final against Uruguay.
There were one or two moments that may well have frustrated Giggs as Wilson unsuccessfully attempted to demonstrate some of the tricks in his ever-expanding armoury.
But for a man aged just 21, the talent is there for all to see.
The man on loan with Hull City is blessed with pace, and his confidence appears to have rocketed during the course of his time with the Tigers as well as his involvement in the international set-up.
And it could well be that Wales have a new star on their hands, one that appears to feature prominently in Giggs’ plans for the future.
Together Stronger must stay
IT was a mantra that summed up Wales’ tremendous success under the previous regime.
And Giggs noted that the bond the current crop have is immense.
The travelling army of Wales fans who made the long trip to China are to be commended for their passionate support, not only at the matches against China and Uruguay, but also away from matchdays as they interacted with the welcoming locals in Nanning and throughout their travels in China.
Every member of Giggs’ backroom staff, as well as all of the players, thanked the Red Wall for their efforts after the defeat to Uruguay.
And it’s evident that the Together Stronger mantra still says so much about the national side.
It could well be that Wales have a new star on their hands , one that appears to feature prominently... IAN MITCHELMORE ON HARRY WILSON