Gareth Bale prepares to collect his 50th cap against Belgium with Joe Ledley certain his team-mate will go on and reach three figures.
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Ledley was playing on the night of May 27, 2006 when Bale won his first cap against Trinidad & Tobago in the Austrian city of Graz to become the youngest Welshman – at 16 years and 315 days – to represent his country at that time.
No Welshman has won 100 caps but Ledley feels Real Madrid forward Bale will achieve that mark after recalling his debut.
Ashley Williams, #Liverpool‘s Joe Allen & @realmadrid‘s Gareth Bale train with Wales. #LFC #RMCF #Swans #WALvBEL @LFC pic.twitter.com/qvD4BlC2s5
— FAWales (@FAWales) June 10, 2015
“You could see Gareth had something special, brilliant on the ball, fast, and you could see his free-kicks as well. He has always had that,” Ledley said.
“You never thought ‘maybe Madrid’ but that is down to him. That is his dedication and the way that he has focused on the game and, credit to him, he deserves to be where he is.
“For me he is one of the best players in the world.”
There was a time when Ledley occupied an attacking role down the left flank with the fresh-faced Bale behind him at full-back.
Much has changed with Ledley in a holding midfield position and Bale a superstar of world football whether he is charging down either wing or darting through the middle.
The quiet teenager has also given way to a mature 25-year-old who is now the talisman on the pitch for Wales and a growing voice off it in team meetings and dressing room.
According to the latest CIES Monthly report, Harry Kane is now worth more than Gareth Bale!
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) June 10, 2015
“I roomed with him once or twice as we had just come into the squad,” Ledley said.
“He was quiet and used to just get on with it. Any kid who comes through at club and country is shy, but he has grown into a man.
“But you can see from Gareth now that he plays for one of the best teams in the world. You can only just listen to a person like that and learn.
“He has proven now at his age that this is what he wants to do. He is so dedicated to Wales, he loves meeting up and we treat him like anyone else who walks through the door. But he wants to win and is only used to winning.”
Belgium lead the way in Group B at the halfway stage but only on goal difference with Wales in second.
However, the Red Devils will be without key man Marouane Fellaini for the crucial clash.
It is understood the Manchester United forward suffered a groin injury as the Belgium squad trained.
Marouane Fellaini has been ruled out for Belgium’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff this week.
— Sapere Aude (@PrimaScriptura) June 11, 2015
The Belgium coach Marc Wilmots confirmed Fellaini would miss the Cardiff game on Friday in a tweet on the official Belgian FA account.
“He is not ready for selection and leaves the squad for further rehabilitation,” Wilmots said.
Belgium have plenty of depth to their squad but the loss of Fellaini is a huge blow.
Italy vs Croatia
Italy coach Antonio Conte has called up AC Milan attacking midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura as the beaten 2012 finalists look to take another step towards qualification for the 2016 European Championships against Croatia.
Bonaventura had originally been left on the sidelines for the clash in Split but joins the squad two days after striker Simone Zaza and defender Andrea Barzagli were sent home due to lack of fitness.
Bonaventura’s versatility up front gives Conte options against a side which held the Italians to a 1-1 draw at the San Siro last November.
On this day in 2012: Di Natale scores for @Azzurri against Spain. Apply for #EURO2016 tickets http://t.co/4mrhF0RkoL https://t.co/fsNHE9QevK
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 10, 2015
“We’re working hard so we can produce a solid performance,” said Conte.
“They (Croatia) are a very strong side and showed that against us at the San Siro but we’re fully focused on sealing our place in the championships.”
Italy are second in Group H two points behind Croatia but a Niko Kovac’s side would leave Conte’s men in danger of being overtaken by Norway, who are only two points adrift ahead of their home game against Azerbaijan.
Netherlands vs Latvia
Elsewhere, Netherlands visit Latvia with coach Guus Hiddink still under considerable pressure to turn their fortunes around.
Netherlands are third in qualifying Group A and trail second-placed Iceland by five points with five games played.
However, Hiddink’s men are favourites to prevail in Riga and with Iceland hosting group leaders Czech Republic, the Dutch have a big opportunity to close the gap.
