The appointment of Craig Bellamy has provided a renewed feeling of optimism and opportunity in Wales, where a different sort of national team is starting to come together. Bellamy’s more progressive style has brought some encouraging early results, including this victory over an admittedly poor Montenegro side.
Bellamy’s intention is to move on from the defensive tactics of Rob Page and play more aggressive, technical football. So far, so good: he is the first Wales manager to go without defeat in his first four matches in charge.
History maker? “I do not feel like that,” said Bellamy, smiling. “Please play that down! Honestly, I am a rookie. I am just trying my best to enjoy it, to be the best person I can be.”
Playmaker Harry Wilson, especially, appears to be thriving in the new system. Wilson has been given the responsibility to drive Wales forward, to make things happen in attack, and his penalty here secured the three points for Bellamy’s side. They are second behind Turkey in their Nations League group.
Wilson’s form pre-dates Bellamy’s arrival – he has now been involved in eight goals in his past nine Wales games – but under the new coach, he increasingly has the look of a leader for his country.
“So good,” Bellamy said of Wilson. “So good. You can use him in so many different areas of the pitch. He is so intelligent. He’s a footballer’s footballer. When I am watching him, I am like ‘wow’”.
