Scoutmania

Kuressaare jalgpallihall, Estonia. Two of Meistriliiga clubs, FC Kuressaare and Pärnu JK Vaprus had a friendly faceoff on the first day of February, which ended with a two goals win for Pärnu JK Vaprus (0-2).

FC Kuressaare, led by coach Sander Post, used 3-defender shapes in this game (3-5-2 / 3-4-3), with the possibilities to close back for a 5-man line during defending. In the defensive zone, they paid attention to let as narrow areas for the opposing players as possible, with chances to start immediate counter-attacks after gaining the possession. The wing-backs (especially Sten Prunn, on the left side) were involved into the offensive play to a great extent.

(The 3-5-2 reminiscent shape of FC Kuressaare, at building up the play from the back)

Pärnu JK Vaprus, under the guidance of Igor Prins, operated his team’s shape by the variations of the 4-4-2 (‘classic’ and ‘diamond’ set-ups). Pärnu JK Vaprus players tried to practice their dominance on the opponents from the early minutes of the encounter; they often had to face an opposing defense, where almost all of Kuressaare players were involved. The patience, the confident and swift short passing play mixed with great individual performances were key factors in this win.

(Pärnu JK Vaprus players on attack – trying to find the way to the opposition goal)

The game’s 33rd minute was the turning point – Pärnu JK Vaprus attacker Tristan Pajo scored the leading goal by his header (0-1). In the last minute of the first half, Joosep Põder doubled the lead, by hitting the net from close range, after receiving a great low cross, performed by his teammate Marten-Chris Paalberg (0-2).

The best potential players?

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

Sten played in the first half of this game. His position was left-back/left wing-back, and was often involved in attacks. Basically he is an offensive minded player but able to take part both in attacking and in defending with the same intensity. High level of confidence and awareness were visible on him, with good decision-making (especially on the ball). Technically gifted one; was able to show effectiveness at the attacking duels and could handle the physical pressure properly. Had a good right-footed attempt from outside of the box, in the 26th minute.

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

Markus came off the bench for the second part of the game. Played as CM / DM; his presence and his positional play definitely gave stability for the midfield by strengthening it. The intensive pressing and the conscious man marking were typical of his play; thanks to his good off-ball movements, was able to be always in the right place in terms of joining the build-up play. He has the ability to make long throw-ins; his fairly likable mentality and attitude were important factors in keeping the whole team in mood. A potential leader for the midfield section – who showed great potential again.

(You can find more about Sten Prunn and Markus Leivategija by another article here.)

Tristan Pajo (Pärnu JK Vaprus), striker/attacking midfielder born 2005.

Tristan is a short player who represents great agility and quickness. Has excellent technical readiness; able to control the ball by elegant and stylish way. Showed high level of awareness and confidence; was fairly promising, when started to dribble with the ball. An energetic young footballer, who performed quite easy direction changes and turnarounds (both with and without the ball) and gave support for his team’s defense by running back to the defensive zone, when they were under opposing attacks. Also can be described as a creative and tenacious one. In the 33rd minute, scored the game’s first goal by a great header.

Matthias Limberg (Pärnu JK Vaprus), right winger born 2007.

Matthias, played as right winger in this game. His positional play, creativity and communication skills, hand in hand with giving instructions for the teammates at man marking were significant for Pärnu JK Vaprus. He is a player with great awareness, bravery and vision, had an important role in organizing/making the play on the opposition half. He was able to create finishing opportunities for the teammates when they arrived to the final third and also to make useful crosses from the right flank. Showed himself useful at the combinations, plus demonstrated quick and confident short passing play.

Marten-Chris Paalberg (Pärnu JK Vaprus), striker born 2008.

Marten-Chris, young striker of the team, played mainly in the role of the Target man. His great offensive mentality & offensive awareness, hand in hand with his mobility and excellent understanding of the playing role made him a serious threat for the opposing defenders. He wasn’t afraid of the physical challenges to gain/regain the possession; performed useful and accurate short passing play (even by one-touch attempts) on the opposition half. He found the best areas for himself easily, inside or near the box. In the 45th minute, made a superb assist for his teammate Joosep Põder, by a right-footed low cross.

To FOLLOW also:

Rico Randväli (FC Kuressaare), left-back born 2006.

Despite of Rico’s main position is winger, he played as LB in this encounter – with solving this task well. Has good pace and acceleration both on and off the ball; represented tenacity at the physical challenges, in addition to showing great defensive mentality & defensive awareness. He was able to be effective in the defensive 1v1 situations, as well as in his defending duels. In the 77th minute, performed a brave right-footed effort.

Kristofer Leedo (FC Kuressaare), right centre-back born 2006.

Kristofer, came off the bench in the middle of the second half for the right centre-back position. He is a quite tall player with very good physical structure and strength. He tackled hard showing good stability; found good positions for himself in the defensive zone. His defensive movements looked promising – making him a player worth following.

Joosep Põder (Pärnu JK Vaprus), winger/striker born 2005.

Joosep, tall player with good physique, was visible playing in different (offensive) positions and roles – performing great at the end. He is a fairly confident player with superb mobility, demonstrated good understanding of the game – especially in terms of the offensive play. Has good technical abilities and readiness, controls the ball with elegance. Was tenacious enough at the attempts to gain or regain the possession. Scored the second goal of Pärnu JK Vaprus, in the 45th minute of the match.

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

Ekke was substituted on in the 69th minute of play. He is a quite tall player with excellent physical structure and strength; manages his body and handles the physical contacts both well. Made some effective clearances around the defensive zone, his defensive play definitely showed the signs of the creativity and the (defensive) awareness. The confident short passes/short distributions were also typical of him; strove to give support for the teammates by his positional play at the back or even one row up. You can find another article on one of Ekke’s recent games and performance here.

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