Scoutmania

EJL jalgpallihall (Tallinn, Estonia). Last season’s Esiliiga (2nd tier) champions Harju JK Laagri faced Meistriliiga team FC Kuressaare in an indoor environment, which ended with the final score of 2-0.

Harju JK Laagri, champions of Esiliiga 2024, started this friendly clash in 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Lauri Nuuma. The main tactical set-up was to build up the play by swift short passes, on the side of lot of off-ball movements from the midfielders / attackers. Bissau-Guinean defensive midfielder Ussa was the one who often moved near the back line, to make connection between the defenders and the midfield during building up from the defensive zone (as we can see by the image below). You can find an article about Harju JK Laagri last competitive game back in 2024 here.

FC Kuressaare, led by Sander Post, used the opportunity to test several different shapes in this game, like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 in possession, and 5-4-1 out of possession / in defending (as we can see below). Their tactical idea was similar to the opposing team idea; big emphasis was put on the quick and accurate short passes in all areas, which resulted in confident build up play and having often possession of the ball for longer periods. It was good to see Kuressaare players adaptability to the various shapes and tactics in play.

The game was narrow both in play and in terms of the standing until the 69th minute, when Imre Kartau of Harju JK Laagri scored the leading goal for his team (1-0). The final result (2-0) came up in the 83rd minute, when Kaspar Laur also found the opposing net – by his header, after a corner was taken.

(Kaspar Laur, number 99 in red, scored Harju JK Laagri second goal by his great header)

Best potential young players?

Ander Sikk (Harju JK Laagri), winger/attacking midfielder born 2005.

Ander is a tall player with long legs, who played as right winger and attacking midfielder in this game. His great quickness and initiative was quite useful for the offense; was promising, when started to dribble with the ball and also at making progressive passes in the offensive zone / final third. Demonstrated dynamic movements and excellent mobility as well as the effective usage of both of his feet (his dominant foot is his left). A player, chosen for taking set pieces.

Markus Leivategija (FC Kuressaare), central/defensive midfielder born 2006.

Markus played only in the first half of this friendly, in the positions of the CM and DM. He was quite mobile and good in positional play in the midfield; was effective at ball holding play, plus tried to use maximum of his strength during such actions. His awareness and his off-ball movements must be also highlighted – often tried to receive the balls between the opposing lines, to start to make the play immediately after it. Also focused on to make interceptions and tackles in the midfield, with tenacity in his physical challenges.

Sten Prunn (FC Kuressaare), left-back/right-back born 2005.

Sten played as left-back in this game, despite his main position is on the right side, as RB. Presented good change of tempo and also good pace and acceleration on the ball. Has likeable mentality and attitude; was fast-paced enough, especially in defending. Supported the offense plus was proactive enough in asking for the ball. In terms of his defending, covered the passing lanes effectively while followed the motion of his opponent(s) well. Good in the 1v1s (both offensive and defensive). Performed a wonderful and dangerous long shot with his right foot in the 35th minute.

To FOLLOW also:

Andreas Kaevats (Harju JK Laagri), right centre-back born 2004.

Andreas, played in the second half of the clash, as RCB. He was brave on the ball, as well as to move off his position to make tackles or interceptions. Demonstrated good determination at the physical challenges while his passing play / distributions were confident and safe.

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

Kristjan was substituted on in the middle of the second half and played as striker. Showed great mobility and confident movements (both on and off the ball); was familiar with play when he had to move to the flanks, as well as to step back to hold/shield the balls by using his body and strength. Demonstrated likable (offensive) mentality and awareness.

Markus Kesa (Harju JK Laagri), left-back born 2008.

Markus, young left-back of the team, was substituted on at the same time when Kristjan Kriis was sent to the pitch. He is skillful on the ball, controls and handles it nicely, but also tenacious and promising when he has to hold it. Has good physique, presented proper counteraction under physical contacts. Accurate attempts in terms of crossing and (short) passing were also typical of him.

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