Scoutmania

Match dominated by the Nordsjælland squad which controlled the match showing a clear identity both on and off the ball and higher quality all around.

Nordsjælland, coached by Sune Jensen in their classic 4-3-3 formation, adopted a high press which brought great outcomes especially in the first part of the match (see picture below).

In possession they created local overloads in the central zone of the pitch both in build up and breakthrough (as in the image below) phases to attract opponents out of shape and beat the opposition lines of defense.

AaB, coached by Theis Larsen, also in 4-3-3 formation looked more static in the possession phase and struggled in creating many chances.

Best potential players in this match?

Victor Gustafsen (FCN), right-back born in 2007.

Victor is an offensive minded full-back with good attacking skills. He supported the attack with well-timed runs. Good offensive 1v1 skills, able to progress with the ball to cross. Effective in defending 1v1, forced his opponents out wide and stopped crosses.

Victor is in the right place to flourish. Playing consistently in U19 Ligaen could help him becoming more dominant and transitioning in the first team environment.

Markus Walker (FCN), centre-back born in 2006.

Smart defender, able to read the game to step in front of his opponents, especially in counterpressing moments. Composed in 1v1 defensive duels, can slow down his opponents and win the ball by forcing them towards one side and stepping in front. Good use of his body in aerial duels to get his opponents off balance. Very comfortable on the ball, directed the play from the back and was precise in his passes both over short and long distances.

It looked all ‘too easy’ for Markus at times probably suggesting that he could be in need of a higher challenge. That challenge could be a loan in 1st or 2nd division in a team which likes to dominate via possession.

Tobias Nielsen (FCN), offensive midfielder born in 2006.

Offensive midfielder, good in receiving the ball between the lines to accelerate and get quickly the shots off. Tobias demonstrated great ball striking skills when he shot from outside the penalty box and hit the crossbar in the first half. He can dribble at speed with the ball but also get out of tight areas with sharp changes of direction. Effective in his defensive duels.

Tobias as Markus would also greatly benefit by a higher level of physical challenge. His technical / tactical skills are advanced. Exposure to first team football could complete the ‘puzzle’ for him.

Juho Lähteenmäki (FCN), left footed winger born in 2006.

Juho is a fast and technical winger, strong in attacking 1v1 and crossing. He was cynical in the first goal scored when he exploited his direct opponent’s mistake to get into a 1VGK situation and placed the ball with accuracy in the far bottom corner of the goal. Good crossing selection and technique, he looked ‘natural’ in beating his direct opponents by changing direction with the ball.

Juho has the potential to become the key player of this U19 team from an offensive perspective and by showing that consistently within 1-2 years he could be a starter in the first team.

Marcus Bonde (AaB), defensive midfielder born in 2007.

Tall and physically strong midfielder able to tackle and to intercept forward passes. Brave in aerial and ground duels. Able to position himself to link the play with precise short passes.

Playing one more season at U19 level can help improve the speed of his decision-making on the ball and his ball retention in tight areas.

Malthe Kjølby (AaB), centre-back born in 2006.

Powerful defender, strong in defending 1v1 and effective in blocking shots and intercepting crosses. Covered often for his team mates defensively to solve emergency situations. Fast in tracking his opponents in open field and aggressive in pressing his opponents when they received between the lines. Cleared the box with his headers in defensive set pieces. Struggled at times in building up under intense high pressure.

(Click here to check my conclusions on him in the previous article OB vs AaB from last season).

To FOLLOW also FCN midfielders Caleb Yirenkyi (2006) and Malte Heyde (2007) and right footed left-back Stephen Acquah (2006); and AaB goalkeeper Bertil Grönkjaer (2007).

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