Scoutmania

Back to the end of last October, when FK Neptūnas had a face-off against Pirma Lyga’s top team FK Riteriai. Whereas their first meet in June ended with a 5-1 win for FK Riteriai, the home team wanted to fight back. The final whistle meant huge celebration for the away side but FK Neptūnas couldn’t be ashamed of their performance either (2-3).

FK Neptūnas, led by Ukrainian coach Oleg Lutkov, started the clash in 4-2-3-1 formation. Although they knew that they would face one of the best teams in the league, the coach decided to play with high level of offense mixing up with also high pressing in all areas, in terms of winning the ball back as soon as possible. The tactic and the comprehension were really fitting to the team’s/players’ profiles and style; a massive, quite physical play was put to the table. It was delighted to see that they continued pushing their opponents and organizing the dynamic attacks – despite of they were in one-goal lead. In addition to all of this, the offside tactic of the team worked also effectively.

FK Riteriai, under the guidance of Polish expert Sławomir Cisakowski, set up with a 3-4-3 shape. This game was known as the most important clash of the season for them – so the tactic and the mentality had to be in harmony with that. The patience and slow, risk free build up play were important factors – with a big emphasis on the accurate short passing play. Offensive support was arriving often from the defensive line; Surinamese international central midfielder Roscello Vlijter was the one, who frequently created the connection between the defenders and the midfield section (as we can see in the image below). The team’s strong character was also shown by making the comeback in the last fifteen-twenty minutes of the match.

After the final whistle, it was official: the winners of the Pirma Lyga season 2024 is FK Riteriai!

In my opinion, FK Riteriai also won the match of the best potential players:

Milanas Rutkovskis (FK Riteriai), centre-back born in 2005.

Milanas is a tall and strong built centre-back – who can be described as “ball-playing” type. Used his body and his physique at the physical challenges and physical contacts effectively; the defensive presence of him was quite solid. Skillful on the ball, mobile enough and can think in offensive movements as well as in how to support the team’s offensive play. He was comfortable in using both feet in the build up and in stepping with the ball into midfield unexpectedly.

To FOLLOW also FK Neptūnas midfielder/winger Arnas Kurakinas (2006); and FK Riteriai strikers Ernest Janus Zdanovič (2007) & Axel Galita (French-Guadeloupean, 2005) and attacking midfielder Simas Civilka (2005).

Other players (from older age groups) also can be highlighted; FK Neptūnas defensive/central midfielder Hamed Diawara (Senegalese, 2000); and FK Riteriai striker Andrius Kaulinis (2000), centre-back Nojus Stankevičius (2002) and central midfielder Roscello Vlijter (Surinamese, 2000).

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