Stars of UEFA EURO 2016: Jon Walters
Friday, April 22, 2016
Article summary
A late bloomer who did not make his international debut until the age of 27, Jon Walters is now a key man for the Republic of Ireland thanks to his versatility and eye for goal.
Article top media content
Article body
At a glance
Walters has the chance to be the poster boy for football's late developers at UEFA EURO 2016. The forward was 27 when he made his international debut and did not establish himself in the Premier League until 2010, having spent most of his career in the lower divisions, including an 18-month stint in England's fourth tier (2005–2007). He has since emerged as a key man for the national team and was Ireland's player of the year in 2015.
EURO pedigree
The experience of UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland/Ukraine was a forgettable one for Walters, like the rest of that Ireland squad. He was unable to win a place in the starting XI, making three appearances as a second-half substitute in defeats by Croatia, Spain and Italy. However, he played a more central role in the UEFA EURO 2016 qualification campaign, scoring five goals in ten games.
What he offers
Importance for Ireland
Walters' versatility is one of his biggest assets. He came on the Ireland scene under Giovanni Trapattoni in 2010 as an out-and-out centre forward for strike partners like Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle. Current manager Martin O'Neill, though, has preferred to use him in midfield, playing wide left or in a right-wing role which affords protection to full-back Seamus Coleman. He can contribute goals but his workrate and commitment are invaluable.
International career
Debut: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Norway (17 November 2010, friendly)
Appearances: 38
Goals: 10
EURO final tournament record
Appearances: 3
Goals: 0
Record: P3 L3
