#EUROfantasy: Bank on Wales' Bale
Thursday, June 30, 2016
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Wales are in dreamland following their progress into the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2016, and Mark Pitman explains how you too can benefit from Gareth Bale and Co.
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Wales' progress to the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2016 is by no means down to one man – although Gareth Bale has undeniably been the star of the show.
The talisman of Chris Coleman's side is currently leading the goalscoring chart with three goals and an assist from his four games. That has earned him 23 points in McDonald's Fantasy Football for the 51% of people that share Coleman's faith in the Real Madrid star.
You get what you pay for, and while Bale is a significant investment at €10.5m, he is a proven points-gatherer and set to be an integral and key part of whatever Wales achieve in France. Many may still doubt the Dragons' credentials at this level, but Bale has the belief that there is much more to come from his side.
"The ultimate goal is to try and win the tournament," said Bale. However, while Belgium will provide difficult opposition in the quarter-finals, Bale has history on his side after scoring the goal that defeated Marc Wilmots' Red Devils in Cardiff during qualifying.
Wales kept two clean sheets against Belgium on the road to France, so you may want to consider a few more Welsh additions to your team. Ashley Williams is currently awaiting news on a shoulder injury, but Ben Davies (€5.0m) and James Chester (€4.5m) have shown they have the ability to step up to the mark in the captain's absence, and could prove to be a couple of inspired bargain transfers having already gained 14 and 15 points respectively.
Meanwhile, Neil Taylor (€5.0m) is Wales' best performing defender with 20 points, helped by his first international goal against Russia. Taylor now has a taste for goal, and could be a decent addition for fantasy managers with a belief in history repeating itself.