Esbjerg fB boosted their promotion hopes with a solid 3–0 win over Kolding IF at Blue Water Arena. Luka Brajanac gave them the lead after 22 minutes, before Esbjerg sealed the match with late goals in the 78th and 87th minutes after controlling the game throughout.
Esbjerg fB, coached by the previous Haegesund manager Sancheev Manoharan, in a 1-4-4-2 formation, challenged the opposition defensive line from the beginning of the match with early passes in behind played by their Norwegian left-back Sander Eng Strand towards the fast striker From who attacked the space with well-timed runs (see image below).
They high pressed forcing the play towards the opposition left side before pressing Kolding left centre-back Laursen with From who out of the two strikers started from a more central position (see image below).
Kolding IF, coached by Jonas Kamper, mirrored the opposition with a 1-4-4-2 formation and was dangerous mostly on counterattacks with Taannander. They showed good confidence in the build up with short precise and fast passes.
Defensively, they showed good compactness when set up in a low block (as you can see in the image below). They conceded the first and the third goal following unnecessary ball losses and the second goal following a long ball from the opposition goalkeeper.
Here the players who stood out in this match, all from the home team:
Jonathan Foss (Esbjerg fB), left centre-back born 2004.
Jonathan showed great stability as a centre-back by intercept crosses and forward passes. He possesses above average strength and balance in his aerial and ground duels and a good timing in his tackles. He also demonstrated precision in passing both over short and longer distances and kept calm under pressure.
Jonathan is ready for a move into a top 6 Superliga team in the next transfer window.
John Kolawole (Esbjerg fB), left winger born 2004.
John had a great impact on the match by scoring one goal and making one assist in the 3o minutes he played. In both situations he showed good speed and composure in front of the goal.
He would be a good option as inverted winger or offensive midfielder in a bottom to mid-table team in Superliga.
Julius Lucena (Esbjerg fB), right winger born 2008.
Julius approached the match as a mature player and scored his first goal in 1. Division three minutes after entering the field. He used his speed to deliver dangerous crosses with his right foot showing a good level of technique and the ability to use different types of crosses.
Julius has a bright future ahead. A season on loan to get regular playing time at higher level (Allsvenskan or Eliteserien) could be the right move for him before returning in Denmark (top 6 Superliga). In 2-3 years he could become a relevant profile for serie A mid-table teams.
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