Ryan Giggs has paid tribute to the youngsters who have ignited his new era in change of Wales – and admitted he never had it this good as a player.
Giggs saw his youthful team thrash the Republic of Ireland 4-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night in his first competitive match in charge.
Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts scored the goals that put Wales 4-0 ahead in their first UEFA Nations League tie.
Shaun Williams nicked a consolation for the visitors after a Ramsey error but there was little else for Martin O’Neill to shout about on a chastening night for his outclassed side.
It was an emphatic performance by a vibrant Wales team, propelled by youthful ambition and a sense of freedom not seen since the heady days of Euro 2016.
Giggs had talked before the game he was seeking to bring a freedom of expression to his reign and his players delivered on that promise.
If the manager’s selection was bold, then the youngsters he offered the stage to seized that opportunity and shared his fearless spirit.
Ireland were overwhelmed and could easily have been five or six goals down at the break, instead of trailing by just the three.
“I picked 25 players and that was hard,” said Giggs.
“The young lads who came in against Mexico were unlucky to miss out. I feel we have now got 30 players who could easily play for Wales. I never had that when I was playing.
“I gave players the chance to see if they could handle it. They gave their answer.”
At the heart of this sense of a fresh beginning was Ethan Amapadu, the Chelsea midfielder who looked like a 70-cap international veteran, rather than a 17-year-old making his competitive debut.
The range of Amapadu’s passing, the precision, the touch and certainty of every contribution he made, marked him out as a player of immense potential.
He clould have chosen to play for Ireland but he already looks the most important player in this new Wales team after Bale.
“Ethan is a talent, but not only as a player but as a person, also,” said Giggs.
“He is so just so measured and assured. He takes everything in his stride, I was really pleased. He can be a really good player for this team.
Asked if his new look team had given him everything he was wanted, Giggs’ answer was succinct.
“Yeah, they did,” he said. “There were things we didn’t do so well, but overall as a team and individuals it was very pleasing.
“We talked about expressing ourselves and being brave and they did that. With more care we could have scored more goals, but that’s something we can work on.
“Each player I picked was picked for a reason. Connor Roberts is in good form, but that was the most difficult selection because Chris Gunter is a great lad. He was disappointed, but he gave a great reaction in training.
“We are lucky to have players like that. They are the players the youngsters have to aspire to be like.
“I got my chance as a young player, but I also played until I was 40. Age doesn’t really matter at either stage. I’ve got a good balance of experience and young players.”
Giggs also paid credit to the influence of Bale, whose goal was one of his most spectacular for his country.
“Gareth is a special player, he gives everyone a lift. But he is also a great example – someone who’s been there and done it.
“The bad news for these players – as I’ve told them – is they have to keep that standard. When you drop you let yourselves down and me down.
A quietly reflective O’Neil – who had enjoyed such a different outcome when the teams last met in their controversial World Cup qualifier last year – said: “We were well beaten, second best for the whole evening.
“We were missing some key players, but we have to look at a number of things.
“We made more than a few mistakes, but we gave a lot of room to world class players, especially Gareth Bale.
“It helps when you have a world class player who is capable on unlocking defences and scoring a world class goal. They played very well and their younger players were exceptional.”