Scoutmania

The last match of the year for both sides was a ‘worthy to watch’ ending of the Esiliiga season 2024. Home team JK Tabasalu wanted to give good result for its supporters while Harju JK Laagri was only an arm’s length away from lifting the trophy high – and celebrating the promotion to the highest tier (Meistriliiga).

Alan Arruda, experienced Brazilian coach of JK Tabasalu (representing the club since 2019), started the match in a 4-4-2 formation, which was more often a 4-4-1-1 in possession, as moving Art Anepaio behind Markus Vaherna. Tabasalu was under heavy pressure from the kick-off and Rihard Kristel on the goal-line (plus his important blocks) was key player in keeping the team in play. The main focus was on gaining possession in the midfield if possible and on counter-attacking.

Harju JK Laagri Swiss-born Portuguese coach, Victor Silva (who is on the side of the club since 2018 and leading the first team since 2019), sent his players to the pitch in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They already had an outstanding goal rate before the match, hitting the net 107 times in the previous 35 Esiliiga appearances. Winning the game was the only one acceptable result for them; it was delighting to see that the team continued keeping the opponents under pressure and attacking heavily despite of they were in a 3 goals lead – showcasing their main strengths to the future rivals.

Conceding one, but it was a confident 1-3 win for Harju JK Laagri over JK Tabasalu in their last competitive game in 2024.

Before the game, Harju JK Laagri coach Victor Silva received his award as October month’s best performing coach. Art Anepaio (JK Tabasalu) and Daniil Rudenko (Harju JK Laagri) also got their awards for their October month individual performances. Congratulations for all of them and for Harju JK Laagri, as champions of the Estonian Esiliiga 2024 ! 🏆

Although Harju JK Laagri won the match and the championship, the ‘best potential players’ game was 2-2 in my opinion:

Karl-Erik Ennuste (JK Tabasalu), winger born in 2006.

Karl-Erik is a winger with great technical abilities; he controls the ball nicely and he can use all of his attacking skills advantageously both at wing-play and when he has to face his opponents in 1v1 situations. He often demonstrates how does the right usage of both feet look like; not afraid of the situations when he has to pass, shoot or make crosses with his weaker foot. Also supportive for the defense with having the focus on to turn gaining of the possession immediately into quick ball movements (dribbling).

Art Anepaio (JK Tabasalu), striker born in 2005.

Art’s versatility was important for the team’s offense and link-up play; started the game as striker but more often was dropping back behind his teammate, shaping the formation into a 4-4-1-1. Had great mobility on both halves, seemed promising at counter-attacking play and at dribbling. Presented good level of determination and aggressiveness when he was participating in aerial duels and also when he was attempting to make tackles on his opponents. By his consolation goal (1-3) scored in the 86th minute showed that he can turn to a good finisher when he is inside the box. Clearly a player for Esiliiga’s top teams.

Ander-Joosep Kose (Harju JK Laagri), winger born in 2006.

Ander-Joosep played on the left flank as an inverted winger. Fairly skillful on the ball, good at dribbling and has outstanding technique. Had excellent chances in the offensive 1v1s to beat his opponents; also had the opportunities to show his creativity and superb vision at playmaking. Was useful at combination play and could handle the physical pressure well even while he was on the ball or just started to dribble. The awareness was typical in his decisions as well as in his attacking movements. Shows high potential and anticipates bright future.

Kristjan Kriis (Harju JK Laagri), striker born in 2005.

Playing as ‘mobile striker’, Kristjan had several tasks (even defensive ones) in various spots on the pitch. Tried to put his opponents under intensive pressure on their half; he was able to create shooting and finishing opportunities for his teammates. These ‘creator’ abilities played important roles in his two assists (both to Karel Eerme) and turned the majority of his attacking and supporting movements into threat. Presented that progressive passing play, mobility and offensive determination can be his main strengths.

To FOLLOW also JK Tabasalu left midfielder Robin Rumberg (2006) and central midfielder Sander Salei (2007); and Harju JK Laagri goalkeeper Jan Martti Vainula (2007).

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