The young guns Wales will rely on to fire their Euro 2021 finals campaign

With the delayed European Championships drawing ever nearer, and 2022 World Cup qualifying due to begin in March, NICK GUILDFORD picks out five young players he believes will be key to Wales’ prospects…

WALES have young talent in abundance as we approach the resumption of international football in the coming weeks.

It’s testament to a production line nurtured for years, and it is beginning to bear fruit in a manner that suggests the heroics of Euro 2016 may not prove to be a one-off.

But who are the most important young guns for Ryan Giggs right now? It’s not an easy task selecting five above all else, but here goes…

1. Ben Cabango (centre-back, Swansea City)

Cabango has been a solid figure in Swansea’s back line this season, drawing praise not only for his part in producing clean sheets but also his penchant for chipping in with goals.

Cabango has played 19 times for Swansea this season, being involved in 12 shut-outs and finding the net three times.

He earned his first Wales call-up this season aged just 20 and his potential was instantly clear.

With Ryan Giggs favouring five at the back, there is no doubt he will join Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon in games to come.

The quality in Wales’ defence will arguably be THE determining factor in how they fare in the vital period approaching.

2. David Brooks (forward, Bournemouth)

Brooks is one of the first names on the team sheet for Bournemouth and his three goals and five assists from midfield has contributed to the Cherries’ promotion bid.

Brooks was named championship player of the month in November and with his playmaking and passing its clear to see why.

With Brooks having experienced the Premier League – and the pain of relegation – his character appears to have strengthened. He’s clearly confident and assured with where he is in the game at present.

At just 23, he will be critical to a squad not overly blessed with quality playmakers.

Brooks suffered from an ankle injury early in the season and has had serious issues before that. However, if he can keep fit, he will be integral for the attacking strategy of the Welsh team.

3. Harry Wilson (forward, Cardiff City)

On loan from Liverpool, the Cardiff man isn’t enjoying the best season by his standards, scoring a relatively modest three goals and contributing five assists in a struggling Bluebirds side.

Wilson is known for his pace, trickery and wand of a left foot. Although his time at Cardiff has been somewhat disappointing, his quality is not in doubt – or the fact that he is likely to thrive in a more attack-minded side.

With Gareth Bale not getting any younger or any less injury prone, Wilson’s value to Wales looks likely to only increase.

Although it is a massive ask for Wilson to have the same impact Bale has had, it’s clear he is one of Wales’ most talented and promising players.

4. Neco Williams (full-back, Liverpool)

At his club, Williams has Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of him so opportunities are for now bound to be limited.

Yet on the rare occasions he has been given minutes by Jurgen Klopp, and in his appearances for his country, he has shown what outstanding potential he possesses.

Williams scored a memorable injury time winner against Bulgaria back in September and has been involved in five Wales clean sheets in the six matches he has played in. He also showed his versatility against England in October by fitting into right midfield.

5. Daniel James (forward, Manchester United)

Despite being something of a forgotten man at Manchester United, James is still a go-to man for Ryan Giggs’ Wales.

James has three goals and three assists in his 17 international appearances and with attacking partners in Brooks and Wilson, his numbers will continue to go up.

He can play on the left or the right which is a great aspect of his game, his lightning pace and powerful shooting makes him a massive attacking threat.

James has scored in the Premier League and Champions League this season.