Viewers of the meeting between Wales and Ukraine on Sunday evening have flooded to social media, to lavish praise on a key member of the former’s backline.
Robert Page’s men, of course, were back in action a short time ago.
In the nation’s most important outing for some time, the Dragons played host to the aforementioned Ukraine, aware that a spot at this year’s Qatar World Cup was on the line.
And, when all was said and done, book their spot at international football’s most prestigious tournament is precisely what Wales went on to do.
Despite visitors Ukraine conjuring up a hatful of presentable opportunities in front of goal, Saturday’s hosts stood firm, to eventually emerge on the right side of a 1-0 scoreline.
The game’s telling moment was forthcoming late in the first-half of play, when Gareth Bale’s whipped free-kick delivery was nodded into his own net by the unfortunate Andriy Yarmolenko.
WALES LEAD! 🏴
Gareth Bale’s free-kick is diverted into his own net by
Andriy Yarmolenko! 😮 pic.twitter.com/cyj9ZrUlSK— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2022
‘Colossus’
In truth, though, it was the efforts of Wales’ stars at the other end of the pitch which truly made the difference in holding an always dangerous Ukrainian outfit at bay.
Wayne Hennessey was in inspired form between the posts throughout, with Liverpool talent Neco Williams having too enjoyed an outing to remember.
The Dragons’ standout performer, though, without question, came in the form of Tottenham defender Ben Davies.
The versatile full-back slotted in on the left of Rob Page’s back-three in Cardiff, and utterly dominated across the 90 minutes, displaying once more his remarkable growth since Antonio Conte’s arrival in north London late last year.
In turn, the reaction across social media has since been an absolute sight to behold, with just some of the highlights showcased below:
Ben Davies is putting in one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen 😳👏🏻👏🏻
— Laayver!! ⚽✌️ (@laayver_Matt91) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies dropping one of the best defensive masterclasses in the history of this sport
— LP ⚪️ (@thfclp__) June 5, 2022
This Ben Davies performance is one for the history books.
— RC 🇯🇲 (@ReeceAC_) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies has turned into prime Maldini #wales
— Ian Jones (@JudgeJ88) June 5, 2022
Exceptional performance from Ben Davies. Seriously gone up a level since playing that LCB position under Antonio Conte
— Faz (@Retro442) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies might be the best LCB in the world
— Kulusexy (@SpursySwedish) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies has been a colossus, the fucker was also awesome against us at the end of the season and probably cost us the league!
— Jason Armstrong (@NiGhTVioLaToR) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies is the best defender in the world
— Scott Delaney (@Scott_delaney15) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies must’ve taken some performance enhancers. This is insane.
— Ryan (@ryanthfc__) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies has been incredible for Wales, Conte has somehow turned him into a monster
— Alex (@imAlexRyan) June 5, 2022
Ben Davies might be the best footballer of this generation
— keenan 🌾 (@notverykeen) June 5, 2022
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