Daniel James: Wales star makes up for lost time after penalty pain
Bellamy’s Wales team remains unbeaten in four games, with two wins and two draws, and is ranked second in Group B4.
They face leaders Turkey in Kayseri on Saturday, needing victory to improve their chances of winning the group and securing promotion to the top flight of the Nations League, before finishing in the group next Tuesday against Iceland in Cardiff.
Even more impressive than Bellamy’s results was the extensive new style of play introduced by the former Liverpool and Manchester City striker.
The Wales manager himself has spoken excitedly about the opportunity to work with the speedy, direct James for the first time and the feeling is mutual.
“It’s great. We’ve got more control of the ball, but we still stay united without the ball to win the ball back,” James said.
“I’ve been looking at it and the new style is so pleasing to the eye. I just want to be a part of it.
“I think he wants to get the wingers one on one and get them behind, and that really suits me. I want to go one on one, I want to attack from behind. We want to get down the line and end up behind, so for me , his principles suit me very well.”
James is also looking forward to working under Bellamy as the former Wales captain is a player he admired when he first dreamed of playing for his country.
“He was the player I aspired to be like as a youngster because of his work ethic. He had an aura about him on the pitch – give him the ball and he would score you a goal or assist you,” the former Swansea City and Manchester United player said. added.
“But his work rate off the ball is also really important. A lot of his principles – the way he wants to get on the ball, create one-on-one opportunities and get in behind, and without the ball it’s all about what you can do How quickly you win the ball back – I grew up with that at Swansea and other teams I played for.
“Missing the first two training camps, it was all about understanding what was needed. I feel like I missed it, and that’s why it’s great to be back.”
