Why Gareth Bale can lead Wales to Nations League group win
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Can Bale lead a Wales fight back?
The UEFA Nations League is finally upon us as this new-fangled European international tournament gives even the smallest nations an opportunity of making Euro 2020.
Wales are a team with a point to prove. After that majestic run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016, they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia this year.
They have since rebooted under new manager Ryan Giggs, and built on a younger core of players.
However, Gareth Bale is still their shining light and The Coral News Team look at why he can lead them to more success.
New breed of youngsters
Not necessarily directly related to Bale, but Wales are starting to bring through a new wave of young talent.
The likes of David Brooks, Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson have all picked up caps in the last year.
However, this increases the responsibility on Bale who is seen as the dominant force in the team.
They may have some exciting youth but Bale may have to drag them over the line when the going gets tough.
Bale has increased expectation for his club
If playing for Real Madrid doesn’t immediately burden you with enough pressure. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has upped the ante even more on Bale.
A series of injuries hasn’t dampened his influence on the side, notching two Champions League winning goals in his five years in Madrid.
He made his intentions clear that he wanted to be the main man at the Santiago Bernabeu and he is now just that.
This added confidence could translate into match-winning performances in a Wales shirt too!
In the prime years of his career
The former Tottenham man is now 29-years-old and is firmly in the prime of his career.
Bale has already had a glittering career, picking up 11 titles since 2014. However, leading his nation deep into another tournament would rubber-stamp his name in Welsh football history.
They face the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in pot 4 of League B, as he comes up against Spurs’ current talisman Christian Eriksen.
Bale and his country are 10/11 to get the better of Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night.
Check out Wales’ latest Nations League odds here
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
