Hamburg II visited Weiche Flensburg in match day 19 of the Regionalliga Nord season and won 3-2. Hamburg ran a low block 3-4-3 and sat back waiting for counterattacking opportunities by cutting out passing lanes. Meanwhile, Weiche Flensburg played a high possession and high press style 5-3-2 that took a while to break down a struggling Hamburg defense. When they finally got it going, they threatened to cut into Hamburg’s 3 goal lead with goals scored on a corner and penalty. Hamburg prevailed, though, by scoring the first 3 goals of the game through counterattacking opportunities, just as their tactics intended. The goals came through Juho Kilo, Timon Burmeister, and Moses Otuali. Robin Velasco and Leon Sommer impressed as an offensive duo down the right wing despite not picking up goal contributions, each displaying technical dribbling ability.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Robin Velasco
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Germany
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 24/06/2002
- Club: Hamburg SV II
- Career: SC Egenbüttel (Y), Hamburg SV (Y)
- Position: Right Winger
- Secondary Position: Left Winger
- Preferred foot: Left
Robin Velasco played 72 minutes as Hamburg II’s right winger, cutting inside with his dominant left foot. He is average height and build for a winger with good pace to stretch the right flank. Velasco is also a high effort player who showed hustle throughout, he was always moving and kept active within the match.
Velasco’s biggest trait on offense in this match was his flair and technical ability on ball. When coming short for the ball and receiving at his feet, Velasco would immediately look for the best dribble move around his marker. His technical ability frustrated defenders for multiple fouls if he was not beating them with a move and his quick feet. The right winger’s creativity with the ball did not stop at his dribbling, as he had a great through ball into the box to put pressure on Weiche Flensburg. He made a move cutting inside and showed off his vision quite well. Velasco then had a similar move where he tried to flick the through ball over head instead of on the ground, but the ball was picked out of the air by the defender. Had the play been completed his vision would have been applauded more, it was very creative to find that pass. His last major on ball activity was the small skill move to create space he made after receiving the ball in the box. Velasco then struck a left-footed shot with power off the near post.
Off ball, Velasco was a great support runner. His speed and intelligence to find space really stretched the inside of the right flank. When passing the ball short, Velasco would consistently cut into space to give his teammate an immediate option if facing pressure or a give-and-go opportunity. His off-ball activity was admirable as there did not seem to be a moment where he stopped moving or was not providing his teammates with options.
As a presser, Velasco was willing—and when asked he utilized his pace and some aggression with the right effort. Velasco was also intelligent in cutting out passing lanes, he always seemed to be sticking his foot in. He had multiple interceptions in the buildup, and it caused some havoc in the box. When sitting in defense, Velasco tracked back as an extra body in their low block, his aggressive interceptions being the most of his output there.
Rating – A2
Velasco had a decent performance in this match and flashed shades of potential as a skillful inside forward with some creativity. His vision has some promise, and I would like to see some more of his finishing ability as his one shot in this match was quite impressive. Velasco deserves a shot at least on the bench in the first team. The playing time against senior players in Regionalliga is valuable, but Velasco seemed to be capable of handling more. Hamburg II is in a position to battle for promotion this season, and 3. Liga could be the perfect step up if he re-signs.
Target Scouting 