Wales player ratings as Real Madrid star Gareth Bale earns an 8 after stunning 30th goal

Andrew Baldock 09:28 07/09/2018
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  • Wales surpassed Ian Rush to become Wales' top scorer last year.

    Wales and the Republic of Ireland launched their campaigns in the new Nations League at Cardiff City Stadium, with Wales cruising to a 4-1 victory.

    Here, Press Association Sport looks at how the players rated.

    WALES

    Wayne Hennessey: Rarely tested, and could watch in comfort for most of the game as Wales dominated. 6 (out of 10)

    Connor Roberts: The Swansea player produced a tireless work-rate and scored a first senior goal, while time and time again running selflessly for his colleagues. 8

    Chris Mepham: Fitted well into Wales’ impressive framework as they destroyed Ireland through some majestic first half football. 7

    Ashley Williams: Wales’ long-serving captain marshalled his troops well, although they did not need much encouragement to play in such thrilling free-flowing fashion. 7

    Ben Davies: Accomplished at the back, and fired a spectacular pass that Gareth Bale gathered without breaking stride for Wales’ memorable second goal. 7

    Ethan Ampadu: The 17-year-old performed like a seasoned international, spraying out passes with sustained accuracy. Looks a natural. 9

    Joe Allen: Kept things ticking over nicely as part of a Wales midfield unit that enjoyed overwhelming dominance. Calm and assured. 7

    Aaron Ramsey: Scored Wales’ third goal with a smart finish after Ampadu sent him clear. Quality contribution. 7

    David Brooks: Like Ampadu, he lapped up the occasion, running confidently into space and taking on Ireland’s defenders. Impressive. 7

    Tom Lawrence: Dream start with high-class finish for Wales’ early opener, and it set the tone as the home side never looked back. 7

    Gareth Bale: Scored his 30th Wales goal with a blistering first-half finish that once again underlined his global box-office status. 8

    Substitutes

    Matthew Smith (for Ampadu): The Manchester City youngster was given a chance after 66 minutes. 6

    Tyler Roberts (for Bale): Entered the action with 16 minutes left, replacing the majestic Bale. 6

    Paul Dummett (for Davies): Given a run for the closing stages on his first Wales appearance in almost three years. 6

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