Ben Davies Aims for Gareth Bale's Wales Cap Record
Ben Davies has set his sights on surpassing Gareth Bale's record for the most caps for Wales after achieving a significant milestone of 100 appearances during the recent international break.
The 32-year-old defender became the fourth male player in history, following Bale, Wayne Hennessey, and Chris Gunter, to reach the 100-cap mark for Wales. He achieved this feat while captaining his team in their 4-2 World Cup qualifying defeat to Belgium on October 13.
Davies now aims to exceed the men's record established by his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate, Bale, who retired with 111 caps after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"It's definitely a target that’s in sight," Davies shared during an interview on the Feast of Football podcast.
Born in Neath, Davies expressed that he has always set targets while wearing the Wales jersey. "The first one was to earn a cap, and then you start to look ahead at what’s possible," he noted. "Once I reached around 15 to 20 caps, I felt more established, and then I had my sights set on 50 for a while. Your goals keep evolving; now, with 100 behind me, the next step is to aim for 112."
Despite his personal ambitions, the Premier League veteran, who made his international debut in 2012, emphasized that his primary focus remains on the team's success. "For me, it’s not just about personal milestones; I want Wales to do well above everything else, and if I can contribute to that, it’s even better," he stated.
Davies has been a crucial player for Wales under head coach Craig Bellamy, being the only player to have participated in all 14 matches since Bellamy took charge. He expressed confidence in Bellamy’s leadership, stating, "The biggest thing is the standards he sets. I remember him as a player; he was certainly an intimidating figure in the dressing room. You had to perform in training and be punctual, or he would let you know."
Davies considers Bellamy one of the best captains and now coaches he has played under. "It was intense and challenging, but you understood the levels you needed to reach. I expected nothing less as a coach, and he has likely surpassed all my expectations. He has been brilliant so far. We are fortunate to have such a talented manager who can achieve even greater things in Welsh football," he added.
Still a Role to Play at Spurs
Despite his significant contributions on the international stage, Davies has yet to see competitive action under Spurs manager Thomas Frank this season. He faced a setback on the night he celebrated his 100th Wales cap, having to leave the pitch in the second half against Belgium due to a hamstring injury.
However, the Swansea City academy graduate, whose contract with the North London club expires next summer, believes he still has a role to fulfill at Spurs. "It’s part and parcel of football," Davies remarked. "I’ve been here for 11 years, and this is really the first time I haven’t played many games. It’s not ideal, but it’s part of being at a top club."
"Things can change quickly in football. While it’s not where I want to be, every player aspires to play. This is my situation right now, but it doesn’t mean it will remain the same. My focus is on working hard, and I’m confident I’ll get my opportunities when they arise," he concluded.