The ash from the volcano of celebration which erupted on Friday has barely settled, but on Wednesday July 6th Wales will take on Portugal for a place in the UEFA Euro 2016 Final. However, thanks to suspension rules more cruel than kicking a kitten before telling nursery kids that Santa doesn’t exist, Wales will have to do so without stalwart Ben Davies and potential player of the tournament, Aaron Ramsey.
Dai Sport columnist Ross Tyson looks at the potential changes Chris Coleman could make.
Instead of Davies:
James Collins:
‘Ginge’ is the most logical change, Davies has been playing CB and Collins is the natural replacement, being as he plays fairly regularly in that position for a Top 10 Premier League side. Collins is a very solid defender and would also add a threat at set pieces. However, it’s fairly clear he’s not a player Chris Coleman sees as first choice so there may be some unfamiliarity in what has been a very solid defence. Coleman may also ponder whether this change would make Wales too vulnerable to pace.
‘Jazz’ Richards:
A more familiar change would see Jazz Richards come in at RWB and Chris Gunter move into the back three. This has worked for Wales as recently as last summer, when Wales beat Belgium to all but guarantee their place in France. The change would however shift Gunter from right back where he’s been excellent this summer, to a centre back position that’s not his own.
Four at the back:
This is perhaps the least likely option. Chris Coleman has experimented with this during games in the past. Wales could revert to a back four. This would likely lead to an extra body in midfield, possibly David Cotterill, Jonny or George Williams. This change should in theory make Wales more attacking, but straying from the tried and tested back five would be a big risk.
Most likely option- Jazz Richards.
Instead of Ramsey:
Andy King:
It seems when selecting his final 23 Chris Coleman picked the three most suitable back up for this starting midfielders; Allen (Vaughan) Ledley (Edwards) Ramsey (King). Therefore, Andy King seems the most sensible substitution. The Premier League winner certainly knows how to play that position and would match Ramsey’s work rate, however this change may be too conservative and could put too much of a burden on the two remaining attacking players.
Jonny Williams:
Blonde haired, mercurial, attacking midfielder out? Blonde haired, mercurial attacking midfielder in? Jonny Williams was excellent and his introduction was turning point for Wales against Northern Ireland. In fact he’s impressed in all of his Euro 2016 outings, so Chis Coleman may well be tempted to start with Williams, as he did during Wales’ first game. While Williams may boast similar guile and dribbling ability to Aaron Ramsey, it’s hard to argue that he would provide the same solidity.
Hal Robson Kanu AND Sam Vokes:
Since week two, it’s been one or the other. The man who sent three Belgians into orbit? Or the man who headed Wales, so ferociously out of sight , Martians stopped to stare? Well, why not both? Wales could play a 5-2-3 which would see Robson Kanu and Bale playing just off Sam Vokes. This would no doubt give Wales a variable and unpredictable attack, but it may also place too much strain on a midfield two and would limit the ‘game changing’ options from the bench.
Most likely option- Andy King.
On paper, Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey leave a gigantic hole in the Wales team, but if football was played on paper- we wouldn’t be about to step into the white hot fire of a major tournament semi-final, would we? As we know Wales will always be stronger together, the sum of our less fancied parts, create a fire breathing juggernaut with the Stade De France in its sights.
What changes would you make? Let us know…