Scoutmania

2025/26 UEFA Conference League Third qualifying round 2nd leg. It was an excellent Nordic showcase at Nya Söderstadion (3Arena) in Johanneshov, where Rosenborg BK edged Hammarby IF 1–0 in a thrilling, talent-packed encounter.

(Photo above by: Olof Broberg, ScoutMania main scout for the Swedish territory)

Tactical Breakdown

Hammarby IF deployed a classic 4-3-3, emphasizing possession and creative passing combinations. In contrast, Rosenborg BK adopted a more structured 4-4-2 Nordic setup with a double pivot, defending compactly and exploiting transitions. Despite Hammarby controlling large passages of the game, Rosenborg’s disciplined organization and timely offensive bursts proved decisive.

Coaches & Sporting Directors

• Rosenborg BK: Manager Alfred Johansson brings a wealth of youth development pedigree—formerly coaching FC Copenhagen U19, AIK U17 and Djurgården U12. Assisting him is Sporting Director Mikael Dorsin, a Rosenborg and Djurgården alumnus turned football expert.
• Hammarby IF: The first-team is led by Kim Hellberg, who made his name with Sylvia (IFK Norrköping’s B team) and IFK Värnamo. Overseeing club operations is Mikael Hjelmberg, previously Akropolis first-team coach and Hammarby’s head of scouting.

---

Players to Watch

Hammarby IF:

• Markus Karlsson (2004, CM): Orchestrated the midfield with calmness and precision.
• Jusef Erabi (2003, CF): Excellent in hold-up play, dynamic runs and chance creation.
• Sebastian Tounekti (2002, RW): Another bright spark—intelligent movement, slick link-up and incisive runs.
• Montader Madjed (2005, LW): Consistently creative, demonstrating solid technical skill throughout.

Rosenborg BK:

• Jesper Reitan-Sunde (2006, RW): Industrious both offensively and defensively, combining maturity with relentless effort.
• Santeri Väänänen (2002, CM): The midfield engine—dominant in passing, pace control, and tactical execution.
• Aslak Fonn Witry (1996, RB): Ex-Djurgården and European campaigner—defensively sound, positionally astute, and opportunistic on the offensive end.

---

Scouting Insights

This match was a tactical masterclass: Rosenborg BK demonstrated how to win without carving up possession, while Hammarby IF illustrated the sheer quality of their youth system. The victory emphasizes Rosenborg’s strategic flexibility and Hammarby’s sustainable talent production at multiple levels—academy, women’s and men’s teams, so the future of both clubs looks good.

These two clubs remain essential scouting destinations across Northern Europe: Rosenborg for structured youth integration, and Hammarby for vibrant, upward-looking development and creative output.