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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mathew Davies

Wales player ratings as Chelsea star Ampadu gives boss plenty to think about and youngster so cool under pressure

This is how we rated Wales' players during the Nations League match with the Netherlands.

Wayne Hennessey - 7

Bust first half as the Dutch applied pressure. Little he could do for Lang's strike and the same for the hosts' second. Put James under unnecessary pressure with an errant clearout from the back. Saved well from Janssen in second period.

Chris Mepham - 6

Kept his place in an unchanged backline. Alongside Rodon, was turned inside out for the opener and involved in the unfortunate mix-up for the second. Switched off for the winner. Booked somewhat harshly.

Joe Rodon - 6

Cut out a dangerous cross early on. Lang turned him cleverly for the opening goal. Would have wanted to deal with the danger for the second goal a lot sooner. Subbed with what looked like a knock.

Ben Davies - 6

Reads the game ever so well. Skipper for the night and he lived up to the seniority of the role. Won't be happy with the nature of the two goals in the first half, though.

Sorba Thomas - 6

On the right of a back five, looked far more at home going forward than going back. Another on the receiving end of some rough treatment. Improved in the second half.

Ethan Ampadu - 7 - STAR MAN

Snuffed out Lang when the Dutchman was about to pull the trigger. Pulled the strings and drove on, also mopping up when required. Appears to grow in stature with every match. Past two games in midfield have surely given Page something to think about long term? Booked.

Matt Smith - 7

Produced an outstanding block when Frenkie de Jong struck from range and repeated the feat just before half-time. Tough night against quality opposition but did well. Subbed

Wes Burns - 5

Playing as a left-wingback, he was done a couple of times down his flank and lost the ball for the opener. Subbed at the break.

Harry Wilson - 7

In an inexperienced team he took on more responsibility. Threaded ball for Johnson bang on the money. Pressed so hard, like his fellow forward players.

Brennan Johnson - 7

Given a start here after his game-changing heroics at the weekend. Got some rough treatment, especially in the air. Took his goal so coolly.

Daniel James - 7

Had Matthijs de Ligt on his heels all night. Won the ball back brilliantly for Johnson's goal. Some of his decision making remains questionable but his pace will always cause problems. Subbed.

Subs:

Connor Roberts (45) - brought energy to the right flank. Did well to win the penalty 6

Aaron Ramsey (63) - immediately improved Wales with deft touches in the final third 7

Chris Gunter (67) - Switched off for the winner 5

Gareth Bale (70) - dropped deep to get on the ball. Dispatched penalty brilliantly 6

Not used: King, A Davies, Denham, Levitt, Bale, Matondo, Williams, Harris

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