Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Explained
The Welsh national team have altered their method of football under Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift is a new approach to focus more on possession and controlling matches through possession.
The Page Era: High-Energy Play
Under Page, Wales' intense style was based on pressing intensely off the ball, especially in the flanks, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a back four, pushing the team to get on the ball and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Shifts
The change in approach has led to a significantly increased ball control, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
The team also shows a better xG statistics since Bellamy took over.
The Big Question
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The tactical evolution with the new coach represents a notable shift from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
