Patryk Stachowiak
Ben Davies aims to overtake Gareth Bale after 100th Wales appearance
Ben Davies marked his 100th cap for Wales during the international break and says the men’s appearance record set by former team-mate Gareth Bale is now in his sights.
The 32-year-old left-back reached three figures as captain in the 4-2 World Cup qualifying defeat to Belgium on 13 October, becoming the fourth man to hit 100 for Wales after Bale, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter.
“It’s definitely a target that’s in sight,” Davies told the Feast of Football podcast.
Davies, a Swansea City academy product who made his Wales debut in 2012, said milestones have always driven him. He recalled the early benchmarks — a first cap, then feeling established around 15–20 appearances, and later the 50 mark.
“Your targets keep moving on. All the time, you have that 100 one in line and I guess the next step is to try and get to 112.”
He added that personal records are secondary to team success. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s not about those personal milestones, I still just want Wales to do well more than anything and if I can contribute to that then all the better.”
Under Craig Bellamy, Davies has been a constant. He is the only player to have featured in all 14 matches played by Bellamy so far as national head coach and he praised the standards the former captain has set.
“The biggest thing is the standards he sets. I remember as a player, when you talk about intimidating figures in the dressing room, he was definitely one,” Davies said. “You’d expect him to be on your case, you’d have to perform in training, you’d have to be on time, because if you weren’t, he’d let you know.”
Davies called Bellamy one of the best captains and managers he has had, saying the coach has “probably surpassed all expectations” and that Welsh football is fortunate to have him.
Despite his international importance, Davies has not yet played a competitive minute for Tottenham Hotspur this season under boss Thomas Frank. He also suffered a hamstring injury and had to be withdrawn in the second half of the Belgium game.
With his Spurs contract due to expire next summer, Davies reflected on his spell at the club. “I’ve been here 11 years now and this really is the first stint I’ve had where I haven’t played many games. So it’s not a bad run at such a top club,” he said.
“Things change pretty quickly in the world of football. It’s not ideal, it’s not where I want to be, every player wants to play games. It’s where I’m at right now, it doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way. As far as I’m concerned, head down, keep working hard and I’m sure I’ll get my games in when they come.”
Davies remains focused on adding to his tally for Wales and on contributing to the team’s progress as they pursue World Cup qualification.