England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their style of play with Craig Bellamy.
By comparing the previous manager's final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, an obvious difference has been a new approach to focus more on ball control and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
Under Page, Wales' intense style focused on pressing aggressively without possession, particularly in the wings, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's Different Style
Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, urging the squad to hold the ball and construct offensive moves with greater patience.
Statistical Changes
This tactical shift has resulted in a much greater amount of possession, a higher tally of passes and a small decrease in how often they turn the ball over in advanced positions.
Wales also boast a better xG statistics under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The strategic changes with the new coach signifies a significant departure from the previous regime.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers