Scoutmania

The match between Brøndby and FCM played in the second-largest stadium in Denmark, the Brøndby Stadion, met the expectations of the ‘big match’. Lots of chances created from both sides and four goals scored from the same team Brøndby, which deservedly won the game.

An interesting change of approach was noticeable between the two halves on Brøndby goal-kicks.

Brøndby, coached by Jesper Christiansen in 4-2-3-1 formation, showed great confidence on the ball and often played out of the opposition high pressure in the first half (both directly and indirectly) isolating their fast forwards in a 3v3 situation against the opponents defenders (qualitative advantage).

Midtjylland, coached by Allan Jepsen, started the match in 4-3-3 formation but changed to 3-5-2 in the 2nd half. This helped them being more aggressive and effective in their high pressure against the opposition 4-2-3-1 offensive shape (see image below). Their biggest chance came from ‘stealing’ the ball on the opposition goal-kick in the beginning of the 2nd half.

The scoreboard of potential players says 3-3!

Jacob Ambaek (Brøndby), striker born in 2008.

Jacob is a natural goal-scorer. His movements off the ball and game understanding allow him to compete against opponents two years older and still to ‘outsmart’ them. His positioning in the box helped him scoring the first goal of the match with his first touch after a rebound. He made also a fantastic assist for the 3rd goal when he controlled a high ball with his left foot and played a ball behind the defenders without letting the ball bounce. A ‘WOW moment’ that you can see only at top international level. His biggest strengths on the ball are playing back to goal, attacking 1v1 and through passes. He could become even more complete by improving his aerial play and overall strength.

Jacob is a player that I would recommend to all biggest Clubs in Europe. His potential is enormous!

Adam Claridge (Brøndby), defensive midfielder born in 2006.

Adam was a ‘wall’ for his team, he dominated the game from a defensive standpoint. He tracked his opponents at full speed, tackled aggressively, intercepted passes and blocked the opposition shots by slide tackling. He won his duels showing great bravery and intensity.

He would greatly benefit by transitioning to senior football (i.e. loan to 1st division) for the reasons mentioned in this previous article from last season Brøndby match vs Sønderjyske.

William Sonne-Schmidt (Brøndby), goalkeeper born in 2007.

William is a ‘modern’ goalkeeper able to distribute the ball with both feet with confidence and precision. He made a supersave in the start of the 2nd half when face to face with Arinze by coming off the line explosively to close his opponent down. Had other important saves against Johannesen and Pimpong to keep the cleansheet. Although his young age he instilled secured to his team mates and led them with clear instructions both in the build up phase and in the defensive one.

Check this article from the previous match between Brøndby and FCM for my conclusions on William future.

Sofus Johannesen (FCM), offensive midfielder born in 2007.

Sofus is an advanced playmaker with great dribbling skills and agility. He is able to change pace with the ball to create scoring opportunities or to shoot himself. He demonstrated good ball striking skills both in set (precise shot from direct free-kick over the wall) and open play (created a big change with a well-paced cross from wide). Able to attack the back space with well-timed deep runs.

Sofus has still one full season to become the key player in his U19 squad and the first youngster in line for a spot in the first team roster.

Gustav Bjerge (FCM), centre-back born in 2006.

Gustav abilities on the ball are remarkable. He can step into midfield with the ball, play precise progressive passes and long balls. Defensively he is very focused and always ready to step in front of his opponents to intercept forward passes. Strong in the air, he was a threat for the opponents in offensive set pieces. He struggled at times when challenged by faster opponents in open field.

Gustav found a good challenge today by facing the dynamic Brøndby front three but in general he needs a higher challenge than the U19 Ligaen both physically and tactically as already mentioned in this previous article.

Malik Pimpong (FCM), striker born in 2008.

Malik is a physically strong striker able to receive the ball under pressure and to set the ball to his team mates with precise passes. He showed good positioning in the box on crosses and heading technique in his shots on target. Good movements off the ball, he demonstrated the ability to recognize weaknesses in the opposition high defensive line and to challenge for the back space with good speed (in relation to his physical structure). He could have been more clinical by better timing his runs in the box to impact the ball on low crosses.

Malik scored already two goals after three rounds in the U19 Ligaen and will score many more by working on his details with his coach and highest scoring player in the history of the Danish Superliga Morten ‘Duncan’ Rasmussen. He is at his right level of challenge now (see previous article from his last season match vs Lyngby with the U17 team) and so he will be not for too long.

To FOLLOW also Brøndby centre-back Philip Søndergaard (2007), left-back Lukas Larsen (2006), midfielder Gustav Nøhr (2006) and winger Noah Jakobsen (2006); and Midtjylland winger Sebastian Lodberg and the Swedish duo goalkeeper Liam Selin (2006) and centre-back Bilal Konteh (2007).

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