England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have changed their style of football under Bellamy.
By comparing the previous manager's final 12 games in charge with Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, one clear change has been a new approach prioritizing ball control and controlling matches through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
During Page's tenure, Wales' aggressive tactics focused on applying high pressure off the ball, particularly in the flanks, mostly employing a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, pushing the team to hold the ball and develop plays more methodically.
Statistical Differences
The change in approach has led to a significantly increased ball control, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how often they turn the ball over high up the pitch.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The tactical evolution since the change represents a clear move from the previous regime.
- More ball control
- More patient build-up
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
