‘When he talks, you listen’ – Craig Bellamy names Premier League player he predicts will become a ‘top manager’

Craig Bellamy says Ben Davies is a player he often leans on and is predicting the player to have a bright future after playing football.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender is set to reach a century of international appearances on Monday night when Wales host Belgium in their latest World Cup qualifier.

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Davies won his 99th cap for Wales in Thursday’s friendly defeat to England.

The 32-year-old is already a veteran of three major tournaments with the Dragons; he previously featured at the European Championship in 2016 and 2021 as well as the World Cup in Qatar three years ago.

Bellamy appreciates the value Davies brings to his side both on and off the pitch.

Speaking ahead of the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Wales boss tipped his defender vice-captain for a career in management once he retires such is the huge respect Davies commands.

The former striker explained: “We can all agree that he’s been a top player but we are all very impressed with him as an individual, as a person.

“I have loved him. As a coach, he is such a big help. I lean on him a lot, he’s the voice for a lot of players, he is the main part of the leadership group and when he talks, you listen.

“You can see when he does interviews. He’s very impressive. He will be a top manager if he wants to be. Or he could become a director of football, or a CEO.”

Davies was handed his senior international debut back in 2012 by Chris Coleman.

He was just 19 when he started a World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

As well as reaching the brink of a century of caps, Davies has also scored three goals for Wales.

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Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign

Bellamy will hope he can add another against Belgium to boost his side’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive World Cup.

A win will see Wales leapfrog their opponents, whilst they can go top of the group if North Macedonia fail to beat Kazakhstan.

Ahead of Monday’s match, Wales sit third in the group with only the winners qualifying directly for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The runners-up will advance to the play-offs, although Wales are already assured of a place in that stage through their Nations League performance.

Bellamy’s side are set to conclude their campaign next month with their final two fixtures.

Wales travel to face Liechtenstein on November 15 before hosting North Macedonia three days later.

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