Ben Davies starred for Wales as they beat 3-1 Kazakhstan in the opening game of their qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Davies was paired by former Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon at centre-back and managed to score as well as provide an assist on Saturday night.
Ben Davies’ endeavour in winning back the ball from inside the opposition box and handing Daniel James a golden opportunity to score was impressive as Wales initially took the lead.
The Spurs defender’s close-range header meant Craig Bellamy’s side went 2-1 up before Rabbi Matondo’s third goal put the game to bed. Recently, Aaron Lennon claimed Davies is “underrated” for Tottenham but the Welsh public must value him highly.
Davies, who Heung-min Son named as his favourite-ever teammate might go under the radar at times but those who play with him seem to rate him highly as both a player and a character.
Welsh media hail ‘solid’ Ben Davies after Wales beat Kazakhstan
Wales boss Craig Bellamy must be relieved that he can still rely on Davies, 31 who is their skipper and has the experience of playing at the highest level — as he proved by stepping up against Kazakhstan.
This Welsh side have plenty of players still looking to prove themselves for both club and country, such as Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams and working with the former Swansea centre-back will help them in their development.
Davies must enjoy the responsibility of being the senior figure in the side, perhaps having learned loads about being a leader from his nation’s previous captains such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Onto Davies’ display against Kazakhstan, Wales Online handed him an 8/10 match rating and praised him defensive display and goal: “Solid as ever, and produced a marvelous header to put his side back in front.”
Clwb Peldroed also claimed Davies was “solid” and gave him an 8/10 rating: “Davies stepped up with a captain’s goal when they really needed it to ease the pressure around the stadium following a frustrating first half.”
“He was solid defensively and will be frustrated not to keep a clean sheet.”
Ben Davies stats during Wales vs Kazakhstan
The Neath-born defender must appreciate all the praise coming his way and it’s fair to say that it was deserved.
The statistics back up how well Davies fared against Kazakhstan for Wales as well.
| BEN DAVIES STATS VS KAZAKHSTAN | |
| GOALS | 1 |
| ASSISTS | 1 |
| CHANCES CREATED | 1 |
| DRIBBLED PAST | 0 |
| CLEARANCES | 2 |
| DUELS WON | 2/4 |
| PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD | 8 |
The Tottenham man scored and assisted a goal but also managed not to be dribbled past even once, made two clearances and played eight passes into the final third.
Davies’ only complaint might be why he lost two out of his four duels but ultimately, that would be a case of being overtly critical of what was an imposing performance from the Welshman.
