You definitely do, but nowhere near the level of peak Bale. As you say though, Bale at his peak was world class and produced so many clutch moments for club and country, and still is.Gotta disagree with you there, Mike. We've got plenty of great young talent to be able to cope without Bale — we started so slowly today and I think that was just down to nerves.
Tony, agree that match fitness is a big concern for both players, but I'd be hesitant about ever leaving Bale on the bench. He only needs one free kick or long-range shot to change a game, so I wouldn't ever want to be without him at a World Cup game.
You are always going to lose a lot without him, same as England do (but to a lesser extent with Kane (or tottenham as a better example) the penalty specialist).
I didn't mean it as a knock, though I do enjoy the Bales joke lol so I can't help myself. Your squad is definitely solid, but it's not world class and that's just the reality of being a smaller country in terms of population. I've enjoyed seeing Wales do well recently, especially with the Ramsey connection myself, and I hope you guys can keep it up without those two big names.
Kiefer Moore needs to start though, he's look dangerous everytime I see you guys play.