Scoutmania

The match played in Ikast Stadion, home of Midtjylland Academy, was a great showcase of talent, quality play and high level of competitiveness. It ended with a win for Manchester City on penalties after a draw in the regular time (2-2).

Midtjylland coached by Niclas Hougaard Hansen (previously Vejle BK U19 head coach) in a 4-3-3 formation played often long over the opposition pressure, especially in the first part of the match to avoid mistakes in the early phase of their build up. Once the match was more settled it was great to see the Danish side compete with good spells both on the ball and in their pressing game and ending the first half 1-0 after a successful pressing action.

Manchester City coached by Ben Wilkinson also in a 4-3-3 formation dominated possession as by their playing style and used interchanges of position especially on their right side to disrupt the opposition defensive structure. Their first goal was of extreme quality and resembled their first team breakthrough best actions.

Interesting pressing strategy adopted by Man City with their striker directing the play towards the opposition right centre-back. The Blues left central midfielder closing the inside before pressing the opposition right centre-back; winger tucked in to force the play out wide or long (see image below).

In their build up Man City challenged the opposition by moving their right-back in high position and by using their pivot to link the play behind the opposition front three (see image below). His ability to find small pockets of space behind the opposition striker made it difficult for FCM midfielders to pick him up. To mention also the ability of the Man City defenders to drive into midfield with the ball to beat the opposition first pressure (2v1 against the striker).

Lots of decisive events happen in the final part of the 2nd half with Man City receiving a red card on the 75 minute of the match and both teams scoring immediately bringing the result to 2-2 (to mention the striker Matty Warhurst great movement in the box to even the score).

Best potential players in this top level youth elite match?

Lasse Overgaard (FCM), defensive midfielder born 2006.

Lasse is a midfielder with great defensive skills, strong in tackles and interceptions. Great precision when passing the ball over long distances. Good awareness, able to play with 1-2 touches and maintain the ball under pressure. He demonstrated also good timing when heading the ball in defensive set pieces.

James Arinze (FCM), offensive midfielder born 2006.

James is a well rounded offensive midfielder who can use both feet to pass and control the ball, receive under pressure and play well-paced forward passes. Great dynamism and competitiveness, impactful when ‘hunting’ for the ball and tackling. Explosive changes of direction with the ball to beat his opponents.

Bilal Konteh (FCM), centre-back born 2007.

Bilal is a tall defender strong in duels and game reading. He made a fantastic intervention when he blocked the opposition striker attempt to score by great last ditch defending. He is also able to read his opponents intentions to drop and defend long passes in the back space. Good decisions on the ball when under pressure.

Julius Emefile (FCM), left winger born 2007.

Julius is an inverted winger (right footed), with great vision and technical skills. He joined Midtjylland last summer from FC Copenhagen and scored a fantastic goal in this match to bring his team ahead in the first half after he intercepted a pass from the opposition goalkeeper and beat his direct opponent with a great piece of skill (sole roll) before shooting with power with his left foot into the back of the net.

Divine Mukasa (MCI), offensive midfielder born 2007.

Divine is a technically superb midfielder with great vision and passing abilities. Good crossing skills and able to support the attack with well-timed runs. He showed this qualities greatly also in his team first goal scored when he made a run between the opposition RB and RCB before delivering a quality cross which made the assist for the 1-1.

Justin Oboavwoduo (MCI), striker born 2006.

Justin is a fast mobile striker, strong in attacking 1v1. Great runs in the back space with perfect timing. Able also to drop to link up and to protect the ball under pressure using his arms. He had several chances to score but he lacked precision in his finishes.

Reigan Heskey (MCI), left winger born 2008.

Reigan is a fast winger, strong in attacking 1v1. Great ability to ‘fix’ his opponents and put them off balance before accelerating into space. He played a great through pass for his team mate Mfuni to get him in 1vGK situation from an angled position in the first half.

Stephen Mfuni (MCI), left-back born 2008.

Tall left-back with great physical structure and strong in the air. Supported the attack with well-timed runs without the ball. Also able to progress with the ball at speed. Strong in aerial play in both defensive and offensive set pieces. To improve his urgency in recovering his position in the defensive transitions and defensive positioning.

Ryan McAidoo (MCI), right winger born 2008.

Ryan left a mark on the match as he entered the pitch in the start of the second half by a great long ball progression before serving his team mate Oboavwoduo with a soft pass in the back space. In this action he demonstrated all his power and pace and his technical attributes, as close control and key passes. His first touch and changes of direction / speed with the ball are of top level.

To FOLLOW also Midtjylland goalkeeper Liam Selin (2006), offensive midfielder Sofus Johannesen (2007) and right winger Sebastian Lodberg (2007); and MCI midfielder Charlie Gray (2006), right-back Lakyle Samuel (2006) and centre-back Max Alleyne (2005).

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