Published June 30, 2016
Wales is facing Belgium in a European Championship quarterfinal on Friday. Here are five Wales players to watch:
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GARETH BALE
When it comes to Wales, it all starts with Bale.
The world's most expensive footballer has clearly enjoyed himself hugely as the leader of a happy, united team.
Perhaps the defining image of Bale's tournament came after Wales beat Northern Ireland 1-0 last Saturday. The carefree playtime with his toddler daughter on the Parc des Princes field showed a man seemingly free of stress.
Bale has delivered. Three goals and one assist puts him top of the Golden Boot table before the quarterfinals, and his 12 goal attempts on target is also the most at Euro 2016.
The last time Wales played Belgium, one year ago, Bale scored the one goal in Cardiff to win a Euro 2016 qualifier
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ASHLEY WILLIAMS
The defender described by Bale this week as "priceless, he's the rock, the captain."
The Wales star was asked because Williams was slowed ahead of facing Belgium by an injury to his left shoulder, caused by a collision with a teammate in the round of 16.
It has been a tough tournament for the 31-year-old Swansea defender. His misplaced header teed up Jamie Vardy to level for England in a group game Wales led but lost 2-1.
Still, Wales coach Chris Coleman won't rest Williams unless he has no choice.
Among his 63 games for Wales, Williams has played all 14 in qualifying and here in France. Only Bale and defender Chris Gunter can match that record.
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AARON RAMSEY
Of all the Arsenal players at Euro 2016, with eight different teams, Ramsey has been arguably the most effective.
Only Eden Hazard of Belgium has more assists than Ramsey's two.
While opponents must have a strategy for containing Bale, Ramsey provides an extra threat as the Wales No. 10.
Their 33 career goals for Wales — 22 for Bale, 11 for Ramsey — is more than rest of the squad combined.
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JOE ALLEN
Known to the Wales camp as their Xavi Hernandez or Andrea Pirlo, Allen's neat passing knits the play together.
Allen is at the heart of the national team after being on the fringes for much of the season at Liverpool.
One of several past and present Swansea players in a squad which seems as close as a club team under coach Chris Coleman.
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CHRIS GUNTER
The most-capped player for Wales in the 23-man Euro 2016 squad. Gunter will make his 72nd appearance if, as expected, he lines up at right wing-back against Belgium.
Still, it is a possible 73rd game in a semifinal next Wednesday that has become a family affair for Gunter.
That match in Lyon is one day before Gunter is due to do best man duties at his brother's wedding in Cancun, Mexico.
Gunter revealed this week that several family members were already flying to Mexico ahead of the quarterfinal.
"I think it will be the first best man's speech ever on Skype," Gunter said.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/5-wales-players-to-watch