Ramsey had not featured at all in this campaign until coming on as a substitute in Azerbaijan on Saturday, while Wales’ reigning player of the year David Brooks has not played since June.
Then there is Bale.
The Real Madrid forward peaked under Coleman. Of Wales’ 11 goals in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Bale scored seven and assisted two.
Since Giggs has taken over, however, Bale has struggled for form and fitness – even if playing for Wales remains a form of solace for the 30-year-old, respite from the constant criticism he encounters at Real.
Giggs has had to ease the goalscoring burden on Bale, while also phasing out other members of Wales’ ‘golden generation’, such as Ashley Williams and Chris Gunter, totems of the Euro 2016 campaign but approaching their twilight years.
It has not been a straightforward process, as demonstrated by a campaign which Giggs and Bale admit themselves has been “topsy-turvy”.
But like Coleman, who oversaw long losing runs and a shaky start even to Euro 2016 qualifying, Giggs has improved as the campaign has worn on, learning from his mistakes and evolving as a manager.
He also wants to ensure he is laying strong foundations for future success and, after under two years in the job, he has handed debuts to 15 different players.
“This is just the beginning,” Giggs says.
“We have seen a lot of young players over the last 18 months and they can get better, they can definitely get better.”
