Euro 2016: 5 players who impressed in the quarter-finals

4) Ashley Williams (Wales)

Williams is being congratulated by teammate Gareth Bale after scoring the equaliser

The Welsh skipper put in an inspirational performance at the heart of defence against favourites Belgium. He equalised for Wales with a bullet header courtesy of an Aaron Ramsey corner.

This goal proved to be the catalyst as Wales were unstoppable after the equaliser. Williams was a nuisance in his opponent’s box. He overshadowed youngsters Jason Denayer and Jordan Lukaku with his strength and power, winning every single header. Williams was a rock at the heart of the defence.

He made 6 clearances and 6 ball recoveries. He made 2 crunching challenges on the abysmal Romelu Lukaku, denying him open headers for the entire game. He even completed 29 passes out of a possible 33, which is impressive for his standards.

With 3 of his fellow defenders on yellow cards, Wales will be depending on their captain for another masterclass at the back against favourites Portugal.