Scoutmania

In the Portuguese Estádio Algarve, in a match with many young players especially in the Brøndby team, Varnamo had the biggest chances and deservedly won the group stage game with the result of 2-3.

Brøndby coached by Frederik Birk Christensen in a 4-3-3 formation pushed their full-backs in high position to overload the opposition back four (as by image below). The opposition responded with a 4-5-1 out of possession in a defensive low block.

In the early phases of their build up, Brøndby struggled in progressing with the ball through the thirds because of the positioning of their midfield trio which closed the space for themselves by being often on the same lines and angles.

On the contrary, IFK Värnamo coached by Ferran Sibila in a 4-2-3-1 formation in possession had success in their ball progression, especially in the first half by getting their offensive midfielder wide and keeping their right winger inside to create an overload against the opposition left chain (the image below highlights Varnamo offensive midfielder Frank Junior Adjei out wide and the right winger Kenan Bilalovic inside).

Another effective solution adopted by Varnamo was to build up with 3 by pushing their RB up and by narrowing their LB. This together with well coordinated interchanges on their right side gave them success in breaking through the opposition pressure and defensive line (see image below to relate to it).

The result of the match of best potential players?! 3-2 for Brøndby!

Filip Bundgaard (BIF), right winger born 2004.

Filip played as inverted winger (left footed) showing great ability to receive the ball between the lines and to turn into space when under pressure. Good speed when he can exploit space with the ball. Fantastic outswinging deliveries from free-kicks, as when he found Rajovic around the penalty spot area who headed the ball with power off target.

Filip technical abilities are of higher level. Playing as a starter for Brøndby is the minimum that he can expect for himself in the short-term. His next step could be in one of the top 5 teams in Eredivisie.

Adam Claridge (BIF), defensive midfielder born in 2006 (played as nr 8).

Adam is robust midfielder strong in duels and tackling. Delivered a great inswinging ball from corner to assist Lauritsen for the first goal of the match. Playing as number 8 showed clearly his main area of improvement which is his spatial awareness, especially when receiving in condensed areas.

My conclusions on Adam are in this previous article from the U19 Brøndby match vs Sønderjyske.

Jacob Ambaek (BIF), striker born 2008 (adapted in LW position).

Jacob is a right footed mobile striker who played as inverted winger in this match. He was good in setting the ball with precision when receiving back to goal. Showed also good speed in a counterattack when he beat his direct opponent who could only stop him by making a foul which costed him a yellow card. Confident in getting quickly the ball off his feet to shoot when receiving the ball in the penalty box (shot blocked).

My conclusions on Jacob are in this previous article from the U19 Brøndby IF match vs FC Midtjylland.

Frank Junior Adjei (IFK Värnamo), offensive midfielder born 2004.

Frank is a highly technical offensive midfielder with good explosiveness and attacking 1v1 skills. He is able to receive the ball in tight areas and get out of them showing great close control. He created a huge chance when he beat his direct opponent with his first touch and played a ‘soft’ through pass to find Bilalovic in front of the opposition goalkeeper. When in wide areas he was also capable of beating his opponents 1 on 1 to accelerate into space and cross the ball in the box. Demonstrated great balance when he was pushed from behind and stayed on his feet before hitting the post with a shot from inside the penalty box.

Frank is ready for a move in the a top 6 Club in Superliga. In the long-term Spain or Portugal top divisions could be the right fit for him.

Kenan Bilalovic (IFK Värnamo), right winger born 2005.

Kenan is a fast winger, good in attacking the back space with well-timed runs as in the first goal scored by his team when he served Mohammad Al-Salkhadi with a ‘square pass’ after dragging his direct opponent out of shape. Good preparatory movements to attack the space, often moving on the inside of the full-back before going in behind or using fake runs to create space for himself.

Kenan would greatly benefit from a full season as a starter in Allsvenskan. His game intelligence makes him suitable for Italian football. I can foresee a move in Serie A (low table) or Serie B (top table) within the next 2-3 years.

To FOLLOW also Brøndby left-back Lukas Larsen (2006) and offensive midfielder Noah Nartey (2005); and Värnamo left winger Fred Bozicevic (2007).

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