Scoutmania

HB Køge won the match deservedly (3-0) showing a good organization and clear principles both in and out of possession. A great performance which shows the quality of the work carried on in their Academy both at team and individual level.

Both teams in 1-3-4-3 formation with Næstved changing their shape to 1-4-3-3 during the first half.

HB Køge, coached by Martin Christensen, took the role of the dominant team by pressing high and by having the highest share of ball possession. This helped them creating many chances both in the first and in the second half of the match.

Their pressing strategy on the opposition goal-kicks (shown in the image below) brought them a lot of success in winning the ball back in their attacking half.

At the same time, they demonstrated great common understanding of how to create space to progress through the thirds when their central midfielders opened the central channel for their striker Lazarotti to drop and set the ball with quality for his supporting team mates (see image below).

5 ‘best potential players’ in this match! 4 for HB Køge and 1 for Næstved.

Adam Lazarotti (HB Køge), striker born in 2008.

Adam’s attacking skills were difficult to go unnoticed. A ‘falso nueve’ strong in attacking 1v1 and in dropping to receive from the defenders to serve his team mates in the back space with precise through passes. Good timing of movement and recognition of space in all attacking phases, including finishing. He scored the second goal by placing the ball away from the opposition goalkeeper reach with his first touch using the inside of his foot.

Adam is a ‘pure gem’, who has the skills and the pace to play in all attacking roles. Playing up in the U19 team (higher physical challenge and intensity) or in the U17 Ligaen can be a good challenge for him to be stretched even further in his development.

Nicolai Birkedal Pedersen (HB Køge), central midfielder born in 2008.

Nicolai understanding of the game is way above average. The composure he has shown during this match, especially on the ball, made him look much older than his current age. He made mature decisions dictating the tempo of the match but also supported the attack with deep runs and precise passes, both over short and longer distances. He was ‘ice-cold’ when he put his team ahead from the penalty spot.

Nicolai can become even more dominant by building on his physical structure and by winning more defensive duels in the ‘middle of the park’.

Enes Gürel (HB Køge), winger born in 2009.

Tall and fast player, great technique and confidence on the ball. Enes can receive the ball between the lines with good control but he can also attack the back space, especially when he has enough room to pick up speed behind the opposition defensive line. Good crossing skills and decision-making.

Enes can become highly effective by improving his timing of arrival in the box and his finishing skills. His potential is big and his unique ‘style’ and physique will help him transition to the first team at higher pace than his peers.

Jamie Nchedo Okonkwo (HB Køge), ‘inverted winger’ also born in 2009.

Jamie special attributes as a winger are vision and awareness. He can receive the ball between the lines with open body shape to assist his team mates and create scoring opportunities. His technique and speed helped him dominating his offensive 1v1s.

Getting in more situations to score goals will be his challenge to progress to a more leading role in his team and in the U17 Division.

Jeppe Esmann Hansen (Næstved), central midfielder born in 2008.

Jeppe ‘stood his ground’ over the all 90 minutes. He dominated his duels and used his body and defensive skills to break the opposition play. On the ball he demonstrated good awareness and vision and played precise passes both on the ground and in the air.

Jeppe is ready for U19 level both physically and technically. Improving his offensive contribution can help him progressing to a higher level league in the short term.

To FOLLOW also HB Køge midfielder Oliver Larsen (2008), right wingback Jeppe Flex (2008) and left wingback Deshawn Lawrence (2009); and Næstved winger Jacob Borup Nielsen (2008) and striker Jonatan Terp Rasmussen (2008).

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