Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have changed their style of football under Bellamy.
When comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference has been a strategic change emphasizing ball control and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style was based on pressing intensely without possession, especially in wide areas, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, encouraging his players to maintain possession and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Shifts
The change in approach has led to a far higher average possession rate, a increased pass count and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a better xG statistics since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a greater chance of defeating England?
The tactical evolution under Bellamy represents a significant departure from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Less giveaways in attack
- Enhanced scoring probability
