By Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail
Published: 22:30 GMT, 25 March 2019 | Updated: 23:08 GMT, 25 March 2019
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When asked about the breathtaking speed Dan James can reach on a pitch, Gareth Bale couldn't resist replying with a reminder of his own ability for acceleration. 'Yeah, he has got bit to go…' Bale said with a smile.
For years Bale has brought the pace for Wales, and that was his underlying message in front of Sky's cameras. A gentle challenge from the current generation to the next.
Against Slovakia though the 21-year-old James showed he is ready. His goal to give Wales victory was an instinctive burst of energy and shooting, while there were numerous other moments to terrify the visiting defenders. One break left Denis Vavro resorting to a cynical slash that earned a booking but was the only real recourse as James ran clear.
Dan James showed against Slovakia that he is ready to play international football for Wales
He has been likened to Gareth Bale but the Real Madrid star joked 'he has got a bit to go'
Bale has been there, received that of course and the Real Madrid man is now giving James tips on handling new attention, with the pair both represented by the Stellar Group agency.
Ryan Giggs is another who can provide expert guidance from personal experience. 'When you have that raw pace you are a threat at any level,' Giggs said. 'As a winger you then have to develop the other parts of the game, which I feel he's doing.'
James's rise to prominence has been sudden. In August 2017 he was sent back to Swansea by League One Shrewsbury after he failed to break into their first team.