Scoutmania

IFK Göteborg defeated Djurgårdens IF in the U21 Ligacupen Elit semi-finals, by the final score of 4-2.

Gamla Ullevi (Göteborg, Sweden), 21 October 2025

The 2025 Ligacupen Elit semi-final game at Ullevi brought together two of Sweden’s most exciting U21 setups. Under the guidance of Marcus Berg for IFK Göteborg and Hugo Berggren for Djurgårdens IF, the clash delivered both quality and intensity — a six-goal thriller that showcased the next wave of Swedish football talent. Göteborg ultimately won the match by a convincing 4–2 victory, combining maturity, structure, and attacking sharpness.

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Coaches & Club Context

Marcus Berg (IFK Göteborg)
The former international striker has successfully transitioned into coaching, instilling an energetic and tactically disciplined identity in Göteborg’s youth ranks. His U21 side reflects the club’s long-term vision: fluid attacking football supported by strong structure and collective understanding. The balance between creativity and efficiency has been a hallmark of Berg’s approach this season.

Hugo Berggren (Djurgårdens IF)
Berggren’s leadership of Djurgården’s U21s continues the academy’s proud tradition of developing fearless and expressive players. His focus on pressing, attacking transitions, and positional adaptability has helped elevate several young profiles closer to first-team readiness. While the semi-final didn’t go his way, the style and ambition of his squad were evident throughout.

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Player Recommendations & Scouting Reports

IFK Göteborg

Linus Carlstrand (centre-forward born 2004)
⚽ Strengths: Excellent movement in the box, timing of runs, and clinical finishing. His anticipation and spatial awareness allow him to exploit defensive gaps effectively.
🔍 Areas to Improve: Strength in duels and link-up consistency when dropping deep.
⭐ Potential: Strong candidate for senior integration in 2026, with the profile of a modern Scandinavian striker.
➡️ Next Steps: Continue refining his hold-up play and decision-making in combination phases.

Abundance Salaou (midfielder born 2004)
⚽ Strengths: Technical precision, impressive mobility, and ability to progress the ball under pressure. Reads play well, connecting defence and attack seamlessly.
🔍 Areas to Improve: Needs to refine his defensive positioning when facing transitions.
⭐ Potential: One of Göteborg’s standout midfield prospects — the kind of player who could adapt to top-tier tempo.
➡️ Next Steps: Exposure to senior training intensity and tactical variety will be key.

Wilmer Henriksson (midfielder born 2007)
⚽ Strengths: Intelligent off-ball movement, disciplined positioning, and vision beyond his years. Displays growing confidence in tempo control.
🔍 Areas to Improve: Physical robustness and one-touch rhythm under pressure.
⭐ Potential: A developing central midfielder who could become a core figure in Göteborg’s structure long-term.
➡️ Next Steps: Progressive involvement in U21 leadership roles and set-piece responsibility.

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Djurgårdens IF

Ahmed Saeed (winger born 2008)
⚽ Strengths: Explosive pace, direct 1v1 ability, and constant attacking intent. Always looks to stretch defences and create danger.
🔍 Areas to Improve: End product — particularly crossing consistency and finishing under pressure.
⭐ Potential: Exciting wide player with the flair and speed suited for higher levels.
➡️ Next Steps: Focus on refinement in final-third decision-making to complement his raw pace.

Alexander Andersson (attacking midfielder born 2010)
⚽ Strengths: Technical control, composure, and intelligent positioning between lines. Confident under pressure and shows creativity in tight areas.
🔍 Areas to Improve: Physical endurance and impact over full matches.
⭐ Potential: A well-rounded attacking midfielder with traits of a future playmaker.
➡️ Next Steps: Continue to develop match rhythm and exposure in senior training environments.

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Scouting Takeaways

The 4-2 scoreline accurately captured both teams’ offensive ambition and quality. Göteborg’s superior game management and finishing edge proved decisive, but Djurgården’s attacking phases hinted at long-term promise.

For scouts, this semi-final encounter reinforced why Göteborg and Djurgården remain two of the Nordic region’s most vital youth systems.

• Carlstrand, Salaou, and Henriksson stand out as Göteborg’s next-generation pillars.
• Saeed and Andersson exemplify Djurgården’s commitment to bold, expressive football.

Despite defensive vulnerabilities, the match highlighted Sweden’s strong technical and tactical evolution at U21 level — a foundation that continues to strengthen the domestic pathway to elite football.

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IFK Göteborg will face Halmstads BK in the U21 Ligacupen Elit Final, on 27 October 2025.

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