Wales might have been swatted aside by a ruthless Belgium team during their opening World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night but, despite a 3-1 defeat at Den Dreef, there was still plenty of positives to take for Robert Page’s side.
Seven of the players who started against Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co were 25 or under.
If they continue to develop at club level, Harry Wilson, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and co may one day emulate the achievements of that fabled 2016 team who flirted so brazenly with glory at the European Championships.
For now, however, the focus remains firmly fixed on reaching the World Cup for only the second time in their history.
And while Wales’ qualification campaign began with a disappointing defeat in Belgium, there were still plenty of positives to take as a youthful, improving side gave Thibaut Courtois and co a scare or two their own turf.
Liverpool’s Cardiff loanee Wilson opened the scoring after a brilliant combination with a revitalised Gareth Bale but he was not the only Anfield youngster who impressed on the night.
Starting in an unfamiliar left-back role, 19-year-old Williams proved that he can be relied upon even when playing out-of-position against officially the greatest international team in the world – well, if you take the FIFA rankings seriously, that is.
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