Harry Wilson: Fulham forward now one of Wales' 'main men' - Robert Page
- Published
Harry Wilson (right) and Gareth Bale helped Wales reach the 2022 World Cup, the nation's first since 1958
Euro 2024 qualifying: Armenia v Wales |
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Venue: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan Date: Saturday, 18 November Kick-off: 14:00 GMT |
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text Highlights: Match of the Day Wales, BBC One Wales from 22: 45 GMT and later on demand |
Harry Wilson has become one of Wales "main men" as the golden era driven by Gareth Bale fades into history, according to manager Robert Page.
Bale's Wales men's record of 41 goals before retiring earned him iconic status among the nation's fans.
Page says Wilson's squad status has been transformed since the retirements of Bale, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams.
"Perhaps he looked at it and he was turning up and feeling he was a squad player," said Page of the Fulham star.
"We had a chat with him in the summer and said: 'You are no longer that person or player - you are a big player for us. Look at what you are doing at club level'.
"Go back about 12 months ago, he would turn up and expect to be part of the squad, or if he started he would be substituted on the hour mark.
"But the mentality has changed now. He's playing in the Premier League, scoring goals and creating chances.
"When he plays for us now he's one of the main men and showed that in the last game. I don't expect him to come in and just accept playing for 55, 60 minutes.
"I want him to have that mentality that he is one of our top players now and he is going to go and win games for us."
Wilson's response to that summer chat included both goals in the stunning 2-1 win over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in October which turned around Wales' campaign.
Wales will qualify for the European Championship if they win their last two Group D games against Armenia and Turkey later this month.
Page's side tackle Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday, 18 November, then face group leaders Turkey three days later in Cardiff.
However, if they do not achieve automatic qualification, Wales have a play-off place through their top-tier ranking in the last edition of the Nations League.
Wilson's brace against Croatia was scored as he celebrated exactly 10 years since becoming Wales' youngest cap, aged 16 and 207 days.
Since emerging from the the Liverpool academy, Wilson has established himself at Fulham following loan stints at Crewe, Hull, Derby, Bournemouth and Cardiff City.
"He has stepped up to the plate. I'm so pleased for him because he's not just a good player, he's an absolute diamond of a kid," said Page.
"I said to the young lads up in Wrexham for the Gibraltar game: 'Just watch him warm up'. Everything he does is to the nth degree.
"He's the nicest fella you will ever meet off the pitch, but when he crosses that line he's a model example of what you would want a modern footballer to look like.
"You can see why he has had the career he has and why he is playing in the Premier League, and why he is now getting the plaudits that he has got for us."
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