Strømsgodset lost 3-2 to Glimt in a match where they dominated possession for large periods but were punished for a few lapses in concentration by Glimt’s clinical attack. Both teams lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Glimt taking an early lead through Philip Zinckernagel only to concede less than a minute afterwards from a Moses Mawa tap-in.
Glimt regained the lead through an own goal midway through the first-half but Strømsgodset managed to peg them back once more with a deserved equaliser scored by Kristoffer Tokstad in the second-half. Again, though, the score did not remain that way for long as Glimt broke at the other end from the restart and Jens Petter Hauge scored the winning goal a minute later with a composed finish into the bottom corner.
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
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 07/09/2000
- Club: Strømsgodset IF
- Career: Sogndal IL, Strømsgodset IF
- Position: Centre Midfield
- Secondary position: Attacking Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Hove played as the most advanced of the central midfield three, receiving the ball between the lines and supporting the striker with runs in behind. His off the ball movement was very effective in finding dangerous pockets of space in and around the box but he was also able to help his teammates by dragging defenders out of position with his runs and creating space for them to move into.
He moved the ball efficiently and positively, with his first thought always to find a way to move the ball forward when receiving possession. He possesses a great first touch and good close control which allowed him to receive the ball on the turn and open up the game. From this position he would then look to play short forward passes to teammates and would immediately be on the move to make himself available for a return pass.
His defensive work-rate was a big positive in this performance as he was constantly pressuring opponents and tracking runners as Glimt looked to get numbers into the box. With Hauge through on goal, Hove was the player furthest back for Strømsgodset having tracked the run from deep which allowed him to get close enough to put him off and potentially prevented a goal.
Rating: A1
Hove has already made 50 Eliteserien appearances and that is reflected in the maturity and composure with which he plays. He is enjoying a break-out season so far and is looking increasingly ready to be tested at a higher level.
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 06/04/1998
- Club: Strømsgodset IF
- Career: Villarreal C, Strømsgodset IF
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Secondary position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Jack impressed in this game, using his athleticism to break up Glimt’s passing game and providing important protection to the back four. His physical attributes are excellent, possessing a great combination of height, strength, and speed that allow him to dominate defensively. He is strong in the air which provided an attacking threat from set-pieces as well as defensive stability.
He has long legs which he uses to his advantage, covering an incredible amount of ground and consistently winning possession in 50/50 challenges or through well-timed sliding tackles. He is a very committed player and would rather give away a foul than pull out of a challenge in trying to prevent attacks from developing. He does so with discipline, though, making intelligent fouls that disrupt the rhythm rather than reckless, dangerous tackles.
In possession he needs to be more decisive, he saw a lot of the ball when collecting it from the centre-backs but lacked conviction and needed to move it quicker to prevent Glimt being able to implement their pressing system. He did show his technical ability with some accurate long passes but it was him hesitating on the ball and losing possession that led to Glimt’s first goal.
Rating: A2
Overall, a very good performance from the Nigerian against a tough opponent, if he can become more effective in possession he could be a good choice for a mid-table team in a top 5 league in the future.
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 25/05/2001
- Club: Strømsgodset IF
- Career: Strømsgodset IF
- Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Hanssen played as the left-sided centre-back and was generally calm and composed in performing his defensive duties, although needs to maintain his concentration throughout and avoid being caught ball-watching. He had a good reading of the game that allowed him to position himself well and make some important interceptions but he lacked spacial awareness at times and needs to scan over his shoulder more regularly to keep track of runners in behind him.
Strømsgodset looked to play out from the back but Hanssen was largely conservative in possession, almost always playing a lateral pass to the left-back or his centre-back partner. This was effective in retaining possession but did not progress the play and there needed to be more variety in his passes, either to the feet of one of the central midfielders or a long pass out wide to stretch the play. Towards the end of the match he attempted a couple of quick, accurate passes into the midfield and was successful so we should see more of that as he grows in confidence.
Rating: B1
Not a bad performance by any means but there are definitely areas in need of development before he is ready for the next step in his career.
Target Scouting 