England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's Fresh Style Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of play with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach with Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, one clear change is a new approach emphasizing possession and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Play
During Page's tenure, Wales' intense style was based on pressing intensely without possession, especially in the wings, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, urging the squad to get on the ball and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has led to a much greater ball control, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics give Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The new approach since the change demonstrates a notable shift from the previous regime.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
