A nation better known for its rugby, Wales has long struggled to make a name for itself in the world of football, until recently. After the heroics of Gareth Bale and co at Euro 2016, where the Welsh Dragons reached the semi-finals of the competition, there’s been a noticeable improvement in the quality of talent being produced. Below we take a look at the best Welsh wonderkids on FIFA 22.
Best Welsh Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Dylan Levitt (Dundee United: CDM, CM)
A product of the Manchester United academy, but currently on loan in Scotland at Dundee United, Dylan Levitt is a tenacious defensive midfielder who’s more than happy to get stuck in and do the dirty work when and where needed. The 20-year-old is also effective in retaining and recycling possession, which is essential for all modern midfielders.
With 68 short passing, 67 long passing and 67 ball control the teenager is comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass. Still only rated 65 overall, Levitt has a potential rating of 79 in FIFA 22, which should see him develop into a solid Premier League midfielder.
4. Rabbi Matondo (KSB Cercle Brugge: LM, RW, ST)
Rabbi Matondo is the first of two Welsh youngsters on the list to be playing their football overseas. Currently on loan at KSB Cercle Brugge from Schalke the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Belgium club bagging five league goals in the process. Lightning quick, Matondo possesses bags of pace.
In FIFA 22 he has 93 acceleration and 88 sprint speed, making him an absolute nightmare to defend against. He’s more than a one-trick pony though, with 72 dribbling and three star skills the winger, who can also play as a striker, has the ability to carry the ball past defenders with ease. With a potential of 82 Rabbi Matondo is definitely one to look out for in the future.
3. Neco Williams (Liverpool: RB)
Despite competition for places being high and opportunities somewhat limited at boyhood club Liverpool, right back Neco Williams has fast become a regular starter for Wales. With 17 caps, he’s made more appearances at senior international level than he has at club level. Eventually the 20-year-old may be forced to leave Anfield for more playing time, but for now he’s happy to continue learning under Jurgen Klopp.
Like all modern full backs Williams thrives in the final third and provides a serious threat with 69 crossing and 66 dribbling. At the other end of the pitch he looks to have solid foundations to build on with 66 standing tackles, 65 defensive awareness and 63 sliding tackles. Given more game time there’s no reason why the youngster won’t reach his 82 potential rating in FIFA 22.
2. Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest: RW, LW, CAM)
A dynamic, tricky winger also capable of playing through the middle, Brennan Johnson is making a name for himself in the Championship at Nottingham Forest. Rated 70 overall with a potential of 82, the 20-year-old is blessed with 89 acceleration and 86 sprint speed. A proficient dribbler with 83 agility and 70 ball control, Johnson is direct and every defenders’ worst nightmare. Despite representing England at U16 and U17 level, Johnson switched allegiances at the age of 18 and has since made 7 appearances for the senior national team.
1.Ethan Ampadu (Venezia FC: CDM, CM)
Like most Chelsea youngsters Ethan Ampadu currently finds himself out on loan at Venezia in Serie A, where he’s made 10 league appearances so far this season. Aged just 20, Ampadu has already received over 30 senior international caps, so it’s no surprise to see him top the list as Wales’ hottest talent in FIFA 22.
Known for his versatility the youngster is best suited to playing the holding role in the heart of midfield, where he can utilise his 72 short passing to dictate play and 71 stamina to get up and down the pitch. He also has the attributes to play in defence as a ball playing centre back. Currently rated 69 overall with a potential of 83 Ampadu is expected to develop into an elite footballer in years to come.
While there’s no superstar like Gareth Bale for the Welsh to pin their hopes on in the coming years, they do have a strong core of promising youngsters to call upon. Ampadu has the ability to dominate midfield alongside Levitt, whilst Matondo and Johnson have the potential to cause even the best defenders problems.
