Aaron Ramsey has been named as the new captain of the Welsh national football team, replacing Gareth Bale who retired from international football in January. This is the second time Ramsey has been given the captaincy, with his first stint coming ten-and-a-half years ago under the late Gary Speed. However, he was stripped of the armband in 2012 by Chris Coleman following Speed’s death. Ramsey, who currently plays for Nice, will lead the team in their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Croatia and Latvia.
Robert Page, the Welsh national team manager, announced Ramsey’s appointment and said that it was a natural progression for him to take over from Bale as vice-captain. Page also revealed that it was a close decision between Ramsey and Tottenham’s Ben Davies for the captaincy. Davies will now become Wales’ vice-captain for the upcoming matches.
The squad for the matches against Croatia and Latvia includes four uncapped players: Luke Harris, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper and Nathan Broadhead. In-form Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw has also been included in the squad, receiving his first international call-up in five years. Brennan Johnson has also been named in the squad despite carrying a groin injury.
Page acknowledged that it was strange not having Bale in the squad, describing him as an “unbelievable servant and player” who would be missed. Other players who have retired from international football since Wales’ disappointing World Cup campaign in November include Joe Allen, Chris Gunter and Jonny Williams.
Page said that the squad had been reset and reframed after the World Cup, with an evolution happening within the team. He added that there were no surprises in the players who had been brought into the squad.
Ramsey’s appointment as captain comes at a time when he is enjoying a good run of form with Nice. The 32-year-old midfielder has scored six goals in 23 appearances for the French club this season, helping them to fifth place in Ligue 1.
Ramsey’s return to the captaincy will be welcomed by Welsh fans who remember his first stint as captain under Gary Speed. During that time, Ramsey was seen as a rising star and a key player for Wales. His performances helped Wales qualify for Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Portugal.
Ramsey’s appointment as captain also highlights his importance to the Welsh national team. Despite being in his early thirties, Ramsey is still seen as one of Wales’ best players and someone who can make a difference on the pitch. His experience and leadership qualities will be important as Wales look to qualify for Euro 2024.
Overall, Ramsey’s appointment as captain is a positive move for Welsh football. He is a talented player who has proven himself at club and international level, and his return to the captaincy will give Welsh fans hope that their team can continue to compete at the highest level.