Scoutmania

Lyngby visited Mjällby in Hällevik (Sweden) to play a preseason match against the Club from Allsvenskan and came back with a victory, achieved with a strong performance in the 2nd half of the match.

Mjällby, coached by Anders Torstensson in a 3-4-3 formation, dominated the ball possession in the first half. Their central midfielders (Röjkjaer & Gustavsson) ability to distribute the ball and handle the opposition pressure was the key factor of their success on the ball.

On their goal-kicks they created a ‘square’ in midfield by dropping their two central midfielders at the edge of the box and their wingers to create a central overload against the opposition midfield trio (as you can see in the image below).

Interesting approach from Mjällby also on the opposition goal-kicks. Gustafson (RW) moved inside to absorb Lyngby ‘pivot’ Langhoff (as you see in the image below) creating a reverse triangle to close the central zone. This forced Lyngby in making mistakes in the early phase of their build up.

Lyngby, coached by Morten Karlsen in a 4-3-3 formation, was good in attacking the back space left by Mjällby high defensive line both with their wingers and with deep runs from midfield.

Their goal came after regaining possession in the opposition half following a throw-in, Gytkjaer played a precise through pass for Vendelbo before Abubakari finished the attack by getting the ball past the opposition goalkeeper (you can see below Gytkjaer looking for the right channel).

Abdoulie Manneh (Mjällby), left winger born 2004.

Abdoulie is an inverted winger (right footed) with a low center of gravity who can ‘shift gears’ with the ball to beat his opponents. He demonstrated great speed of action when he received the ball in the penalty box and quickly got the ball off his feet to deliver a dangerous curved shot towards the far post. He showed a quality first touch when receiving the ball under pressure between the lines and a great ability to turn into space when tightly marked. Took responsibility to shoot from outside the penalty box in several occasions. He demonstrated also good vision when he looked for his team mates in the back space with through passes or combined with them in small areas. Defensively he was able to read his opponents intentions to intercept forward passes.

Abdoulie is a ‘pure gem’ whose potential is massive. I predict a move for him to a Club in the Top 5 League next summer. Italy or Spain could fit his playing style more.

Elliot Stroud (Mjällby), left wing-back born 2002.

Elliot is an offensive minded wing-back with great physique and ‘engine’. Good in changing direction with the ball by keeping high speed and in crossing by using different techniques. Able to throw the ball over long distances. Supported the attack with well-timed forward runs to break through the opposition defensive line and was comfortable in attacking positions.

Elliot would perfectly fit a team in Germany or England (first two tiers) with an offensive style of play as a left wing-back in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation.

Peter Langhoff (LBK), defensive midfielder born 2004.

Peter is a defensive midfielder with good positioning and strong defensive skills. He demonstrated good timing of tackling and the ability to intercept the opposition crosses / passes. When regaining the ball he could quickly start counterattacks showing quality in his basic technique of passing and ball control. He made a great pass for Warming in the back space by chipping the ball over the opposition defense forcing Kiilerich in a foul in the first half.

Peter is slowly but steadily gaining his space in the first team at Lyngby by showing constant improvement and resilience. I see him as a regular starter from the next season.

Michael Opoku (LBK), left winger born 2005.

Michael is a powerful forward with great physical structure and 1v1 offensive skills. In this match he played as inverted winger on the left side. He attacked the back space with well-timed runs to challenge the opposition defensive line and expressed his power by changing direction with the ball and in his physical duels.

Interesting can be to watch him playing in a more central position where he can use more of his physical attributes. Michael played already 11 games in this first part of the season scoring twice. His progression can be rather fast if the goals keep coming. I see him becoming an international prospect as a striker within the next two years.

To FOLLOW also Mjällby central midfielder Ludwig Malachowski Thorell (2005); and Lyngby centre-back Malthe Henriksen (2006).

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