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Raja Jalgpallihall (Tallinn, Estonia). Meistriliiga teams JK Tallinna Kalev and Pärnu JK Vaprus met each other in a winter friendly game played in an indoor environment. Both teams sent several youngsters to the pitch in this exciting clash which ended with a 2-1 win for JK Tallinna Kalev.

JK Tallinna Kalev, under coach Alo Bärengrub, started the match in a 4-4-2 formation (double 6). The heavy pressing game that the team demonstrated, mixed with a lot of runs made it tough for the opposing defenders in several cases. Main focus was, to force the Pärnu JK Vaprus footballers, including the team’s goalkeeper, to make personal mistakes inside or near the box (as we can see by the images below). Regaining the possession as soon as possible was Tallinna Kalev’s special ability during the entire clash.

(JK Tallinna Kalev attackers, on the way to create difficulties for Pärnu JK Vaprus defenders and the GK in moving the ball forward, from the box)

Pärnu JK Vaprus, led by Igor Prins, used a ‘classic’ 4-4-2 formation for this friendly game. They had to face hard and energy consuming physical challenges in the midfield zone, while the full-backs were always under the threats of the swift opposing players on the wing. In terms of the offense, they could lead some promising counter-attacks by regaining the ball in their defensive zone; the attacking set pieces can be also mentioned as important ‘weapon’ – the team’s equalizing goal came from a well executed free-kick taken from the right flank, mixed with a great header at the end.

(The moments at Pärnu JK Vaprus equalizer – it was scored by Markkus Seppik)

The game started with the dominance of Tallinna Kalev, which led to the first goal, scored by Israeli-Russian left-back Daniil Shevyakov with a wonderful shot from distance, in the 40th minute (1-0). Although Markkus Seppik (Pärnu JK Vaprus) made the score equal in the 63rd minute by his header (1-1), Tallinna Kalev’s striker Raiko Ilves, who went into play in the 66th minute, scored the final hit ten minutes after his first moves in this game – setting the final result 2-1.

So many talented players could be spotted in this game – but who were the best potential ones?

Kristofer Käit (JK Tallinna Kalev), right centre-back born 2005.

As team captain, Kristofer demonstrated his great leadership abilities by his frequent communication and the control over the defense. The confident and solid defensive play that he demonstrated was important to stop the opposing offense in time; he showed in this clash that he has excellent defensive mentality & defensive awareness, plus he is able to present creative defending. Good at playing on the ball; made several useful forward passes towards the opposing half, especially between their lines. Acted like a ‘true’ leader on the side of making effective normal tackles and interceptions – he can be highlighted as one of his team’s best performing players, in addition to his high potential.

Taavi Jürisoo (JK Tallinna Kalev), right winger/right midfielder born 2005.

Taavi’s excellent mobility and dynamism were quite useful for the attacks led on the right flank. Was aggressive enough at the pressing as well as creative at making/organizing the play. By showing the signs of the explosiveness (especially while he was on the ball) and the awareness, Taavi can be mentioned as an indispensable member in Tallinna Kalev’s offensive set ups. Technically gifted player, controls the ball nicely. When he moved from the wing to the middle, he also had the opportunities to create shooting situations for his teammates. His energetic play overall was definitely good for speeding up the game.

Martin Tomberg (JK Tallinna Kalev), central/defensive midfielder born 2006.

Martin played in the second part of the match and demonstrated a solid and effective play. He is a confident and brave player, who was quite tenacious at keeping the possession as well as in handling the tough physical challenges/contacts. His likeable mentality and attitude gave extra boost for him; as being the ‘engine’ of the midfield, delivered great passes and ran a lot. In addition to his promising abilities for making the play, he was also good when he had to dribble with the ball or to move and play with it. His presence meant to be a stabilizing point for Tallinna Kalev’s midfield, while the aggressive defensive play of him was also significant in each areas.

Airon Kollo (JK Tallinna Kalev), left-back born 2007.

Airon was substituted on in the 66th minute of the game, for the LB position. Can be mentioned as an offensive minded full-back; demonstrated very good pace and acceleration both on and off the ball, on the side of making unexpected forward runs. He is a fairly energetic player representing great dynamism and high level of awareness; was promising enough both at dribbling and at crossing (put good power into his efforts). Was hard and determined at tackling; solid and able to handle the physical pressure properly. The liveliness was also typical of him. Often moved to the middle, to the positions of the DM/CM, during building up the play from the back. Airon had an outstanding performance in this game.

Kerdo Kutsar (Pärnu JK Vaprus), striker born 2007.

Kerdo spent only the first 45 minutes on the pitch, playing as striker, in pair with his teammate Matthias Limberg. He is a quite tall player who is not afraid of the heavy physical challenges, able to use his body and strength effectively – which can be used well also when he has to hold the ball and to keep the possession on the opposing team’s half. Has decent pace and acceleration on the ball, controls it nicely. Was proactive during the attacks, showed promising offensive mentality and offensive sense.

Ekke Kesküla (Pärnu JK Vaprus), left-back/centre-back born 2008.

Ekke went to the pitch in the 27th minute and took his place as left-back. Has good physical build, he is a quite tall player; handles the physical pressure properly. He shows elegance while handling the ball. Was able to make important interceptions and tackles, in addition he was also good when started to play on the ball. Mature type, demonstrated excellent defensive mentality hand in hand with the defensive awareness. Made decent short distributions at the back besides (mainly short) communication with his teammates was also perceptible. Covered the passing lanes effectively; was absolutely solid at his defensive challenges.

To FOLLOW also:

JK Tallinna Kalev left centre-back Enriko Kajari (2006), attacking/central midfielder Aleksander Švedovski (2004), right-back Hugo Palutaja (2004), Canadian-Nigerian defensive/central midfielder Habib Famuditimi (2001), winger Rasmus Talu (2007) and central midfielder Aleksandr Šurõgin (2006).

Pärnu JK Vaprus central/defensive midfielder Rasmus Orm (2008), right centre-back Aivan Siim (2006), winger Simon Smirnov (2005) and strikers Marten-Chris Paalberg (2008) & Joosep Põder (2005).

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