Scoutmania

High importance games are not only in the top or second top divisions of a country. Esiliiga B, the third level of the Estonian club football system also offers exciting matches for the spectators – as well as for ScoutMania’s hard-working scouts who want to expand their knowledge.

Who says that a battle for the 7th position can’t be exciting? Back to November, when Jõhvi FC Phoenix was facing Läänemaa JK in the last round of the Estonian Esiliiga B (3rd tier). Before the clash, both teams had 42 points and the stake was still high: avoiding to finish in the 8th position, which meant participation in the relegation play-out.

Both teams were known for their good and effective offensive play: the Jelissei Zahharov – Bogdan Stoyanov ‘duo’ from the home side already scored 35 goals in all, while Andreas Tiits (who had to miss this game) and Martin Salf had 28 goals together. All things considered, before the kick-off, it was predictable that we will see many goals.

Jõhvi FC Phoenix, led by their Moldovan-Romanian coach Vladimir Aga, who gained his important managerial experiences as FC Zimbru Chișinău’s coach in Moldova, started the game in 4-2-3-1 formation. The plan was to surprise the opponents which resulted a two-goals lead already in the 6th minute. The team showed itself especially effective in taking the advantages from the individual mistakes of the guests’ defensive line. Their wing-play was quite dynamic and confident; the attempts to regain the possession in the midfield by immediate effect were also key part of the team’s tactic. Bogdan Stoyanov, Bulgarian-Moldovan striker of Jõhvi FC Phoenix, often forced two opposing players at the same time to pay high level of attention to him, hand in hand with his movements opening spaces for the teammates at the counter-attacking play (as we can see by the image below).

Scoring six goals in this clash and staying surely in the Esiliiga B at the end are the best examples of the team’s offensive mind and offensive effectiveness.

Läänemaa JK, under the guidance of long-serving coach Theimo Tülp, started the match in a shape of 4-3-3 – with two offensive full-backs/wing-backs. Despite of conceding twice in the early minutes, the team showed its character in form of a comeback, which led the 2-2 standing in the 19th minute of the play. Martin Salf, who scored the second most goals of his team so far can be highlighted as key player, both at the offense and in organizing the play. His stability and experiences were playing important roles of Läänemaa JK’s tactic. It was delighted to see how the away players tried to put the pressure onto the opposing build up play from the back (as we can see below).

This high importance, decisive match was definitely great experience for the team’s youngsters which the team can build on in the near future.

The best potential players?

Vadim Velikanov (Jõhvi FC Phoenix), midfielder born in 2005.

Vadim is a versatile player who could been spotted in this game in the positions/roles of the Number 6, 8 and 10. He’s a strong build one, with good technical abilities and readiness, showing creativity in playmaking as well as in his passing solutions. Was effective at the defending duels, on the side of regaining the possession on the opposing team’s half. Communicating frequently, often acted like the leader of the midfield section. His passing play was special: demonstrated good detection and vision all on the short, long-range and one-touch passes.

Matvei Minajev (Jõhvi FC Phoenix), winger born in 2007.

Matvei, as the youngest starting player from the home team had a massive game, by scoring only few seconds after the kick-off. Found himself effective when had to face against the opposing goalkeeper in 1v1 situations; his agility and quickness were absolutely advantegous for speeding up the offensive play on the flank (especially on the left, as he played as LW). Skillful on the ball, promising at dribbling; playing with highly likeable mentality and attitude in such an important game like this gives more extra points to his excellent performance. Took his share of the defensive play with attempts to cover the passing lanes in front of the opposing players.

To FOLLOW also Jõhvi FC Phoenix centre-back Aleksandr Krupski (2006) and Läänemaa JK left-back/left wing-back Karl Kikas (2007).

Other players (from older age groups) also can be highlighted; Jõhvi FC Phoenix winger (and team captain) Jelissei Zahharov (2001) and striker Bogdan Stoyanov (Bulgarian-Moldovan, 1999); and Läänemaa JK midfielder Martin Salf (1997) and winger Martin Valkiainen (2003).

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