England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Explained
The Welsh national team have altered their method of football with their new coach.
When comparing the previous manager's final 12 games in charge to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, one clear change has been a strategic change to focus more on possession and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
Under Page, The Welsh aggressive tactics centered around pressing intensely without possession, mainly in the flanks, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's Different Style
Bellamy has only utilized a defensive line of four, pushing the team to get on the ball and build attacks with greater patience.
Measurable Changes
The change in approach has produced a significantly increased ball control, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how frequently they lose possession in advanced positions.
Additionally, Wales displays a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The strategic changes since the change demonstrates a notable shift away from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Reduced high turnovers
- Improved expected goals
