- Joe Allen Appreciation Day has been trending on Twitter
- Wales midfielder has impressed during group stages of Euro 2016
- Liverpool playmaker was previously compared to Xavi and Andrea Pirlo
- Leicester, Southampton, Stoke, Bournemouth, West Bromwich and Sevilla are among clubs interested in signing him
After yet another stellar performance in a Welsh shirt, a hashtag began trending on Twitter. Joe Allen Appreciation Day – to separate out for clarity – has been in full flow as social media pays tribute to a cult hero it is impossible not to like. Photoshops, GIFs, memes, the lot.
Ashley Williams revealed to WalesOnline that the Welsh squad have long enjoyed honouring a player who is now moving from unsung to rightfully recognised, and following a fine personal start to Euro 2016 everybody else wants to get involved. 'We have a WhatsApp messaging group and at least once a week we have a Joe Allen Appreciation Day,’ said Williams. 'Great beard, great haircut, great guy, he’s the main man in the squad. Class player too.
Joe Allen's displays for Wales at Euro 2016 have led to 'Joe Allen Appreciation Day' trending on Twitter
The warmth which Allen generates is down to his unassuming character and dry wit, but mostly his ability on the ball. Against Russia he ran the show, beginning with the sharp turn and threaded pass to Aaron Ramsey that got Wales off to a flyer, and continuing throughout.
He was man of the match in his country’s first game of these Championships – dictating the tempo, picking passes, covering ground – and against England while unable to gain possession consistently, he did find time to pop the ball through Wayne Rooney’s legs in one burst forward.
He was asked about that moment after Saturday's training session at the team’s base in Dinard. Did he shout megs? 'It’s one I might be more comfortable talking about it if we’d got the result,’ he replied, smiling but understanding humility must follow defeat.
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