Set up in a 4-4-2, Copenhagen had a strong game and came out as 2-1 winners. Copenhagen, who are 2nd in the league, played strong free flowing football. Their midfield four was fluid and pressed a lot, very narrow in possession often like a diamond while the full backs provided width. They were strong on the counter, pressed high up the pitch and used combinations effectively to get the ball into wide areas of the box for low crosses and cut backs. They defended in a high line and had an effective press, forcing balls over the top which they defended pretty well.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Victor Nelsson
Player profile:
- Nationality: Danish
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 14/10/1998
- Current Club: FC Copenhagen
- Career: FC Nordsjaelland, FC Copenhagen
- Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Playing in Copenhagen’s high lined back four, the 6’1″ Dane had a strong game. With a good frame and good strength he was strong in the air, reading play well and positioning himself well to cut out crosses with strong clearances. He didn’t mark that tightly in the box and could have used his body more but scanned well and regularly, although he could have been facing down the pitch more when defending in the box.
He worked hard and showed good pace to chase long balls and cover space. He read danger well and reacted to runners without getting dragged out of position easily. He didn’t press out of the line, but Randers didn’t receive between the lines that much and wanted to exploit the high line. In 1v1s he was passive and patient, with good body positioning, able to delay the attack and wait for his team rather than trying dive in and commit.
On the ball he was calm and good under pressure, taking progressive first touches and able to control the ball and pass with both feet. Although, he was mostly good under pressure, he did lose the ball on the half way line which lead to a good chance. He played mostly smooth passes with good weight and power. His slightly longer passes lifted a bit but still accurate and his passing was good but not that expansive.
Rating – A1
Mikkel Kaufmann
Player profile:
- Nationality: Danish
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 03/01/2001
- Current Club: FC Copenhagen
- Career: Aalborg BK, FC Copenhagen
- Position: Centre Forward
- Preferred foot: Right
Playing in a front two, Kaufmann scored the opening early goal with a great finish over the on-rushing goalkeeper after a ball over the top of the defence. The 6’3″ striker has large shoulders and is lean with a good frame. He was often on the shoulder of the centre back, looking to run in behind. He was well positioned in blindspots and showed decent movement in the box with an okay burst of pace. He got into good positions and had several good chances and could have scored more than one on another day.
His touch and dribbling to get behind the line and into space was good, and showed strength on the ball to hold off defenders. The one time he dribbled at a player his touches were too heavy and was easily dispossessed. At times he was too static and could have done more to be involved in the game. He attempted just 6 passes, completing 2 before being brought off in the 65th minute.. His and his strike partner had a good balance but failed to link up well and Kaufmann could have been more involved overall, to get on the ball. He pressed well but was otherwise quiet unless making runs in behind or when in the box. Overall, he had a strong game but needs to add to it more and refine his technical side.
Rating – A2
Mohammed Daramy
Player profile:
- Nationality: Danish/Sierra Leonean
- Age: 18
- Date of birth: 07/01/2002
- Current Club: FC Copenhagen
- Career: FC Copenhagen
- Position: Left Wing
- Secondary Position: Right Wing / Centre Forward
- Preferred foot: Right
Playing alongside Kaufmann in this game, Daramy pressed well and showed his great acceleration and overall speed. He was strong on the counter, with good runs in behind but was offside a few times. He dropped off more than Kaufmann, giving options between the lines and playing layoffs. He had good control but was quite right footed, able to receive the ball and then turn with a low centre of gravity and burst of pace. He had good awareness and supported play well between the lines, playing layoffs to the midfield who looked to make driving forward runs.
He worked hard, was great athletically with good control and was able to drive into space on the counter. He tried to take on defenders but mostly lost the ball and was isolated at times, lacking support from Kaufmann. He had good feet in the box, but didn’t get into enough scoring positions and although he made a few good runs into the box, he wasn’t able to get on the end of crosses. I’d like to see him play on the wing in his more natural position.
Rating – A2