Wales vs England Strategic Analysis: Bellamy's New Style Explained
Wales have adjusted their method of football with their new coach.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach to Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a tactical switch prioritizing ball control and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics was based on pressing aggressively without possession, mainly in the wings, typically using a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
Bellamy has only utilized a four-man defense, encouraging his players to get on the ball and construct offensive moves with greater patience.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has produced a far higher average amount of possession, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a higher expected goals tally since Bellamy took over.
The Big Question
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure from the old system.
- More ball control
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers