Gareth Bale key to Wales' rise into top 10 of FIFA world rankings
Thursday 9 July 2015 12:51, UK
As Wales climb into the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings for the first time on the back of their impressive European Championship qualifying campaign, we examine the central role of driving force Gareth Bale...
“I think everybody knows how much I want to get to a major tournament with Wales. It's top of my list now. It's on, so we'll keep working hard to do it.”
From his determined statements in the press to his heroic performances on the pitch, it’s clear: Gareth Bale is wholly committed to ending his nation’s wait to add to their solitary major championship appearance.
Not since the 1958 World Cup have Wales qualified for one of football’s showpieces but, three points clear at the top of Group B in Euro 2016 qualifying, they have never been so well placed as they are now.
And a large part of that is down to the enormous contributions of their star man.
Bale may have come in for criticism after an underwhelming second season at Real Madrid but with Wales the value of the world’s most expensive footballer is immeasurable.
A magnificent free-kick snatched Wales victory against stubborn Andorra, another spectacular set-piece flew in as Bale scored two and set up the other in a 3-0 win at previously perfect Israel, while a clinical finish saw off star-studded Belgium last month.
When Wales have needed him most, Bale has stepped up and delivered, time after time.
He’s played all but two minutes of Wales’ campaign so far and only Robert Lewandowski and Danny Welbeck have scored more than Bale’s five goals in qualifying.
For boss Chris Coleman, Bale’s influence on his squad is obvious. And the former Fulham chief is happy to offer the 25-year-old the opportunity to flourish in national colours, away from the pain, strain or criticism he may have been facing last season at Real Madrid. And Bale has been doing just that.
Bale has averaged 4.7 shots, 4.2 dribbles and 0.8 goals per game with Wales in qualifying, compared to 3.3 shots, 2.1 dribbles and 0.4 goals per game for Madrid in the league last season.
“He's loved here,” said Coleman. “He feels like he won't get hung out to dry, not here.
“He knows how important he is to us and he knows what people think of him and he thrives on that. He knows what the Welsh people think of him and he feels more loved here.”
While Bale feels at home within the Wales camp, team-mate Joe Ledley says the forward has also brought a Madrid mentality to the squad – an urge to win which has resonated through the team.
“He is so dedicated to Wales and he loves meeting up,” said the Crystal Palace midfielder. “We treat him like anyone else who walks through the door.
“But he wants to win and is only used to winning.”
Bale’s influence is drawing the best from his team-mates; Aaron Ramsey has spoken of how each Wales player has raised their game in this qualifying campaign.
And, as Coleman is quick to highlight, the form of Bale’s team-mates remains imperative to Wales’ hopes of making it to France next summer.
"We tried to put Baley and Rambo [Ramsey] in positions where they were going to get the ball and do the most damage,” Coleman said after Wales’ win in Israel.
“But before the ball gets to them it goes through nine other people and before we get the ball to them we have to win it back, try and keep it and then give it to them.
“Our biggest strength is the togetherness in the group. The players all know their jobs and what their roles and responsibilities are. The reason we are doing well is because everybody is doing a little bit for someone else in the group.”
That teamwork has propelled Wales above Spain, Italy, France and Copa America winners Chile in the world rankings.
While the FIFA standings have their critics, what can’t be denied is Wales have earned a spot among the top seeds for this month’s World Cup draw in Russia.
That’s not bad going for a team which was ranked 112 and pooled with the lowest seeds ahead of the last World Cup.
However, with brilliant Bale in their ranks, who knows how much further Wales can progress.
