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Wales tournament ratings: Jack Collison rates players' Euro 2016 performances

LYON, FRANCE - JULY 06:  Wales players sing the national anthem before the UEFA EURO 2016 semi final match between Portugal and Wales at Stade des Lumieres

Wales' historic run at Euro 2016 came to an end on Wednesday evening as they lost 2-0 to Portugal in the semi-finals in Lyon.

Chris Coleman's men were outdone in four second-half minutes by their opponents, with Cristiano Ronaldo heading home the opener before Nani added a second to seal a spot in the final against either Germany or France.

Following the game, we asked former Wales international Jack Collison to rate those players who made significant contributions out of 10, based on their performances during the tournament. 

Aaron Ramsey - 9.5/10

I'm gutted Aaron Ramsey missed the semi-final. For me, Gareth Bale takes all the plaudits but Ramsey was my man of the tournament for Wales, I thought he was outstanding. He worked hard, showed bits of quality and scored a fantastic goal.

Wales' Aaron Ramsey celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Euro 2016, Group B match at Stadium Municipal, Toulouse.
Image: Aaron Ramsey was Collison's man of the tournament for Wales

But it wasn't just that, it was his bravery to get on the ball in tight areas that was such a great example. I've been making my young players watch him, and the way he gets in those areas and commands the ball is a joy to watch.

They missed him massively against Portugal. You can't really replace that quality, especially with the form he was in. He loves that system, it suits him so well and he was a massive miss.

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Gareth Bale - 9

What can you say about Bale? He set the team on the way, he led from the front, he worked tirelessly. He dealt with everything off the pitch, such as the media, in such a classy way and it was a really outstanding tournament for him. 

LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 01:  Gareth Bale (C) and Wales players celebrate their team's 3-1 win after the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between Wales and B
Image: Gareth Bale has taken many of the plaudits for Wales throughout Euro 2016

Jonny Williams - 8

I love Jonny Williams, I think he's brilliant. Hopefully he's now shown the world what kind of player he is. He loves getting on the ball, chucking himself at everything and he's just a magician. 

He's still young and he's had a lot of injuries, but he looks like he's got over them and hopefully this is going to set him off for a really good season where he can have an impact at maybe Crystal Palace, although he may have to go out on loan again.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JUNE 11:  Jonathan Williams of Wales and Peter Pekarik of Slovakia compete for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between
Image: Jonny Williams showed the world what he is capable of at Euro 2016, says Collison

Chris Gunter - 8.5

He was fantastic. He gave us so many options going forward. Not only did he defend well, he worked hard up and down.

Wales' amazing journey ends
Wales' amazing journey ends

Wales are finally going home, but it's been a story for the ages.

Ashley Williams - 8.5

He led from the back, scored a vital goal in the last game and it was a fantastic tournament for Ash. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the big clubs come sniffing. 

Ashley Williams of Wales tackles Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2016 semi final match in Lyon
Image: Ashley Williams was a leader from the back, says Collison

Hal Robson-Kanu - 8.5

What a fantastic goal he scored against Belgium; it will be watched for years. This was a massive tournament for Robson-Kanu, and he really showed people that he can play. He worked so hard for the team, did the dirty work, but when it really mattered and they needed that quality, he showed he could do that too.

Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the UEFA Euro 2016, quarter final match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lil
Image: Hal Robson-Kanu had a 'massive' tournament, says Collison

Hopefully he'll have clubs queuing up now and I'm sure he'll have a big part to play for Wales in the near future.

Joe Allen - 8.5

I think he's been fantastic. If Jurgen Klopp doesn't fancy him after this, he will definitely have clubs queuing up for him. He was the heartbeat of Wales throughout the tournament. 

Joe Allen and Nani tangle
Image: Collison describes Joe Allen as the 'heartbeat of Wales' during Euro 2016

Wayne Hennessey - 8

It was a really good tournament for Wayne. He's a fantastic goalie and I know he was disappointed to miss the first game, but he was very good.

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Wales manager Chris Coleman reflects on his team's exit from Euro 2016

Neil Taylor - 8

I can't believe he scored, I didn't even see him score for the U21s! He was great as well, similar to Chris Gunter. He was tirelessly working up and down, defended well but also gave us a real outlet and a real option going forward.

Portugal's defender Cedric Soares (L) vies for the ball against Wales' defender Neil Taylor during the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Portugal
Image: Neil Taylor takes on Cedric Soares during the semi-final defeat in Lyon

James Chester - 8

It was a brilliant tournament for James Chester. He showed that he can defend, showed that he can play and for me, in important games, he really set Wales on the front foot with his style of defending, because he was nice and aggressive.

Ben Davies - 7.5

Not many people remember, but that block in that first game against Slovakia really set Wales on the way - it was incredible. It was a great piece of defending. 

Ben Davies clears Marek Hamsik's shot
Image: Ben Davies clears Marek Hamsik's shot in Wales' Euro 2016 opener against Slovakia

He set a real example for the rest of the team with his intensity, his desire to get forward and his willingness to do well. The great thing about Ben Davies is he's so young, and he's got a real opportunity to have a big part to play in Wales' future. 

James Collins - 7.5

He only had a little taste of it but what he did, he did well. He defended really well against Portugal, chucked himself at everything and dealt with Ronaldo very well.

(LtoR) Wales' defender James Collins and Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo vie for the ball during the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Portu
Image: James Collins dealt with Cristiano Ronaldo well during the semi-final, according to Collison

Joe Ledley - 7.5

It was a miracle that he made it back to playing! He's worked tirelessly and he's such a big part of that squad, not just on the pitch but off it as well. 

Sam Vokes - 7.5

In the game he started, he did really well. He led the line well and scored a great goal against Belgium, so a solid tournament for Sam.

Sam Vokes celebrates with Chris Gunter
Image: Sam Vokes celebrates Wales' third goal against Belgium with Chris Gunter

Danny Ward - 7.5

He came in, did his job and it could have been a bit nerve-wracking for someone so young who hasn't played in many senior games but he did really well and I thought he was fantastic in the first game.

Andy King - 7

He did well against Portugal. Any bits he did, he did well and that's all you can ask from him. He tried to run forward, tried to get into the box, tried to make things happen and was overall very positive.

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