GOALS from Gareth Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu saw Wales beat Slovakia in their Euro 2016 opener in Bordeaux but it was Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen who stood out.

Danny Ward: It was a huge day for the 22-year-old to make his full international debut and the Liverpool man was understandably nervous at times. He was thankful to Ben Davies to saving him early on but grew into the game and could do nothing to prevent the Slovakian equaliser. 6

Neil Taylor: The left wing-back got forward on numerous occasions in the first half and always provided an outlet on the flank. Defensively sound for the most part, the Swansea defender will be happy with his Euro 2016 bow. 7

Ben Davies: Superb block to deny Marek Hamsik a certain goal in the opening stages was every bit as important as the goals from Gareth Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu. The Spurs man produced a mature display in the biggest match of his career. 7

Ashley Williams: Beaten too easily by Hamsik at the start and wrong-footed for the goal but the skipper was, as ever, a huge presence at the heart of the Welsh defence. Appeared to pick up another knock in the second half and it’s vital he’s fit to face England. 7

James Chester: The West Bromwich Albion centre-back produced one of his best displays in a Welsh shirt on the biggest occasion. He was certainly Wales’ best defender on the day and on this evidence he won’t be giving up the shirt to Newport’s James Collins any time soon. 8

Chris Gunter: The Newport defender provided Wales with a real attacking threat on the right touchline throughout and linked up well with Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and Joe Allen in midfield. The win makes it less likely that he’ll make his brother’s wedding. 7

David Edwards: After a strong first half the Wolves midfielder – playing in place of Joe Ledley – let Robert Mak get away from him in the build-up to the Slovakian goal and was replaced by Ledley, who completed his remarkable comeback from a broken leg, on 69 minutes. 6

Joe Allen: Often regarded as Wales’ third man after Bale and Ramsey but he outshone both here with a hugely impressive midfield performance – linking defence and attack effortlessly and always finding his man. He lived up to the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ tag in Bordeaux. 8 (Star man)

Aaron Ramsey: The Arsenal midfielder had a big hand in the winning goal and was always a danger going forward. Once or twice things didn’t come off for him as he’d hoped but he kept going and he and Wales were rewarded in the end with Hal Robson-Kanu’s super scuff. 7

Jonny Williams: A surprise pick ahead of Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes in an attacking role supporting Bale and he justified Chris Coleman’s faith with an all-action display. Should have won a penalty when his jaw connected with Martin Skrtel’s elbow. Unlucky to be replaced by Robson-Kanu. 7

Gareth Bale: Produced the goods when it really matters – as he nearly always does. Stunning free-kick had Wales in dreamland and he was at his most effective in a deeper role after Robson-Kanu was introduced, combining with Ramsey and the Reading striker for the winner. 8

Substitutes

Joe Ledley: To play at any level just five weeks after fracturing a bone in your leg is impressive. To play at the European Championships, albeit for 25 minutes as a sub, was remarkable. Will be pushing for a starting place against England. 6

Hal Robson-Kanu: The greatest scuffed shot of his life will make the striker a national hero and a likely starter for the big second match against the Three Lions. Jonny Williams played well but Robson-Kanu’s introduction allowed Bale to drop deeper and run at the Slovakian defence. 8

Jazz Richards: Replaced Ramsey at the death as Wales let the clock run down n/a

South Wales Argus: