Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Style Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of football with Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches in charge to Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, one clear change is a tactical switch to focus more on possession and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
During Page's tenure, Wales' high-energy approach centered around pressing intensely without possession, particularly in wide areas, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a defensive line of four, encouraging his players to hold the ball and construct offensive moves more methodically.
Statistical Shifts
The new strategy has resulted in a far higher average ball control, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a higher expected goals tally since Bellamy took over.
Key Consideration
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?
The new approach since the change demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- More patient build-up
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
