Víkingur Reykjavík fought with everything they had against Olimpija Ljubljana, but fell short in the end losing 2-1 after extra time. The visitors didn’t make it easy for themselves, as after five minutes their captain Sölvi Ottesen got sent off. Víkingur still managed to score the opening goal through Óttar Magnús Karlsson. It looked like the Icelandic side was going through to the next round of the Europa League qualifiers, but in the 88th minute it was Olimpija’s right back Fink who scored the equalizer. Víkingur parked the bus, but in extra time Olimpija Ljubljana still managed to get the win.
Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s Víkingur set up in a 5-3-2 formation, but quickly had to move to 4-4-1 with striker Hansen dropping back a line. It was up to striker Karlsson to hold up the ball and find the attacking full backs or roaming midfielders. Olimpija Ljubljana dominated possession, but struggled to create big chances, they ended up with 30 shots and only six shots on target.
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, re-watch
- D – Below average in this match
Óttar Magnús Karlsson
Player profile:
- Nationality: Icelandic
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 21/02/1997
- Current club: Víkingur Reykjavík
- Career: Víkingur Reykjavík, Ajax (Y), Jong Sparta (L), Víkingur Reykjavík, Molde FK, Trelleborg (L), Mjällby, Víkingur Reykjavík
- Position: Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Óttar Magnús Karlsson hasn’t been as effective as he has been this season. The Icelandic striker who has had several clubs in the past was also very important for his team against Olimpija Ljubljana. Karlsson played as the sole striker for Víkingur for the most parts of the game and put in a good performance. The 6’3” used his strength very well throughout the match and was quite agile for his height turning quickly with the ball.
Karlsson scored the first goal of the match for his team. After Agnarsson tried a long shot Óttar Magnús Karlsson was alert for the rebound and scored from quite a tight angle. The striker got another chance in the 46th minute when he almost scored a beautiful goal with his left foot. Karlsson controlled a cross that was just behind him and took a shot with his back turned to the goal, forcing a great save from Olimpija’s goalkeeper.
In his offensive duels Karlsson struggled a little, but it was mainly the fact the long balls coming from Víkingur’s defenders just weren’t very good at times. When Karlsson finally got a useable pass it was his job to buy time for his team to move up the pitch, which he did very well. Karlsson did great protecting the ball and found his teammates even if he was in very difficult situations.
Kalrsson mostly played with his back turned to the goal, but had the composure to take a touch, turn and play the ball forward. He had a great first touch and scanned the area around him well. His first touch passes were also very good and he barely made mistakes with them.
Rating – A1
Karlsson has had multiple clubs outside Iceland, but really struggled abroad. However I think he could do good in Sweden or Norway if he is as involved as he was against Olimpija.
Ágúst Hlynsson
Player profile:
- Nationality: Icelandic
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 28/03/2000
- Current club: Víkingur Reykjavík
- Career: Breidablik, Norwich City (Y), Bröndby IF (Y), Víkingur Reykjavík
- Position: Attacking Midfield
- Secondary position: Centre Midfield, Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Ágúst Hlynsson made plenty of mistakes against Olimpija Ljubljana, but put in a very impressive performance. The 20 year old played as the left central midfielder most of the match, but was found absolutely everywhere on the pitch. Hlynsson showcased that he has very impressive work rate and stamina as he was able to cover big amounts of ground for 120 minutes. He tracked back to defend when needed and always tried to help out his team on the half of Olimpija making a lot of smart runs in the final third showing his tactical awareness off the ball.
Hlynsson showed his good technique on the ball. With quick bursts of pace and his good dribbling he was often a nuisance on the half of Ljubljana. He barely attempted long passes, but his short passing looked great. Hlynsson still lost the ball too often though, mainly because of what is probably his biggest weakness; his strength. The 20 year old midfielder is quite small and got pushed of the ball quite easily at multiple occasions. His lack of strength also showed in his defensive duels, where he really struggled.
This game Hlynsson didn’t really get a good opportunity to shoot, but with his free kicks he showed that he has quite the right foot. His driven crosses caused quite some danger in the box of the hosts, but didn’t result into a goal this game.
Rating – A2
Hlynsson worked very hard and showed some real qualities on and off the ball. His lack of strength was a big vulnerability this game, however I think he could probably succeed in the other Scandinavian competitions.
Erlingur Agnarsson
Player profile:
- Nationality: Icelandic
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 05/03/1998
- Current club: Víkingur Reykjavík
- Career: Víkingur Reykjavík
- Position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Erlingur Agnarsson also as a central midfielder, but a little more defensive than Hlynsson. The 22 year old did very well defensively for Víkingur, but was not involved enough when his team had possession, as he only received eight passes in 128 minutes of football. Obviously Víkingur’s midfield was often skipped in possession, when they played long passes to Karlsson, but Agnarsson’s positioning in possession was also just not good enough.
The few times Agnarsson had the ball he showed some good things. With a good long shot after cutting in from the left he caused the first goal from Víkingur, since Karlsson scored the rebound. Agnarsson wasn’t afraid to take on his direct opponent, but just like Hlynsson Agnarsson is also quite frail.
Defensively Agnarsson had more impact than on the half of Ljubljana. Obviously there was more defending to do than attacking, but Agnarsson was pretty useful. He intercepted a lot of passes and also recovered a lot of balls on his own half. In defending 1v1’s Agnarsson partly made up for his lack of strength with his aggression, but he didn’t win enough of his duels still.
Rating – B2
Agnarsson showed some glimpses of quality, but still has a lot of work to do to be able to succeed abroad.
Target Scouting 