Wales vs England Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have changed their approach of play under Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, an obvious difference is a new approach prioritizing possession and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: High-Energy Play
With Page in charge, Wales' high-energy approach was based on applying high pressure off the ball, especially in wide areas, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
The new coach has consistently employed a back four, encouraging his players to maintain possession and develop plays with greater patience.
Measurable Differences
This tactical shift has produced a far higher average amount of possession, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in advanced positions.
The team also shows a higher expected goals tally since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach provide Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The new approach with the new coach demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
