Skrtel: Bale is class but Wales not a one-man team
As Slovakia prepare to kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign on Saturday against Wales, captain Martin Skrtel insists there is more to Chris Coleman’s side than just Gareth Bale.
Liverpool’s No.37 will come up against his Anfield teammate Joe Allen for the Group B encounter in Bordeaux and the defender is proud to be leading his country in the tournament.
All Welsh eyes are on Real Madrid forward Bale to deliver, but Skrtel believes Wales are not just a one-man team.
"Of course Bale is world class, but it is not only him, the Wales team is not only Bale," said Skrtel.
"There are more players, a lot of individuals, so we will have to watch them all and analyse their game. I believe that we will be ready.
"Everybody knows Bale, I have my Liverpool teammate Joe [Allen], there’s [Aaron] Ramsey from Arsenal, so I think that they are all really good players.
"They play in the Premier League which is a sign that they are really good, and they have already proved that by qualifying."
The opening clash will be the first time both countries have featured in a major European Championship, and with further fixtures to come against Russia and England, Skrtel insists a good start is imperative.
He said: "The first match is important and it can tell you a lot, so I believe that we will do well in the first match and make a better start to the tournament than Wales."