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

Andrew Baldock

09:28 07/09/2018

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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