Birmingham City youngster Jordan James was in action for Wales last night.
The 19-year-old earned what was his ninth cap for Wales last night, playing in the 1-1 draw vs Turkey in another Euro qualifier.
Wales’ fate ahead of next year’s Euros hangs in the balance after two rather disappointing draws vs Armenia and Turkey respectively.
But one positive for Rob Page and Wales has been the emergence of James.
He’s been tipped for big things with Wales with reports this month even comparing him and his rise to that of Welsh legend Gareth Bale.
And his performance vs Turkey last night garnered yet more praise.
What the media said about Jordan James
WalesOnline names James as their star man on the night.
He earned an 8/10 rating and journalist Tom Coleman had this to say about the Birmingham City midfielder:
“Brilliant once again in the heart of the midfield. He’s surely destined for the Premier League soon. Won the ball back for his side on several crucial occasions.”
James was deployed in the centre of midfield alongside Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu, though he’s often played on the right-side of midfield for his country.
James at Birmingham City…
Everyone at Birmingham City knows how much quality James has.
He rose through the ranks alongside names like Jude Bellingham and at 19 years old, he already has 67 Championship appearances to his name, having featured in all but two of his side’s Championship outings so far this season.
He was in and out of the side under previous boss John Eustace and it may have been a frustrating time for James.
But Wayne Rooney has started James in each of the last three outings now and after seeing how well he performs for Wales, Rooney will no doubt be looking at James as someone who can really help turn the tide for Blues this season.
Rooney though has been playing James in a slightly more defensive role.
With Wales, James is a box-to-box player, if not more of an attacking midfielder, and so to get the best out of him, Rooney may need to give James more license to roam forward.
But if the Birmingham City boss can find a position that gets the best out of James and those around him as well, then he could be on to a winner.
Up next is a home game vs bottom club Sheffield Wednesday.