England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have changed their method of play with Bellamy.
By comparing the previous manager's final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a strategic change to focus more on ball control and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
Under Page, The Welsh high-energy approach centered around pressing aggressively off the ball, mainly in the wings, predominantly using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a back four, encouraging his players to maintain possession and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Changes
The change in approach has led to a far higher average ball control, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away in advanced positions.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a improved likelihood of defeating England?
The new approach under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure away from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
