Wales vs England Strategic Analysis: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their approach of play under Craig Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a tactical switch to focus more on ball control and controlling matches through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
Under Page, The Welsh aggressive tactics was based on pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in the wings, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, urging the squad to get on the ball and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Shifts
The new strategy has led to a much greater possession rate, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a better xG statistics since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a greater chance of beating England?
The tactical evolution under Bellamy signifies a notable shift away from the previous regime.
- More ball control
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
