Who's Wales' best ever player... Bale or Giggs? Earnie has the answer

THE debate over who deserves the title of the greatest Welsh footballer of all time is one that shows no sign of ending. But for Rob Earnshaw, there’s no question about it.

- By HARRY BRENT

Gareth Bale helped guide Wales to the 2022 World Cup finals; Ryan Giggs and Rob Earnshaw playing for Wales in 2004 (inset)

The former Wales striker speaks from a rare position of authority - after all, he shared the pitch with two of the leading contenders: Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale.

Having witnessed both up close, Earnshaw had a front-row view of their brilliance. And in his eyes, one of them stands a level - perhaps even two - above the other.

“I've got to say, Gareth Bale is the best Welsh player ever,” the 44-year-old said speaking exclusively to Wales Online.

“For a long time, I was split because I played with Ryan Giggs too.

“Giggs was always legendary, always a great player for Wales, for Manchester United, great player.

“It was always difficult for years to split them. But as Gareth Bale continued and continued to develop, there were two or three points where I had to turn around and I had to look at him and almost like be like, ‘Wow, he's actually gone to a different level.

“And there was one point where he went to world class level... he was unstoppable.”