under 18's do us proud

Last night's performance by the under 18's in the academy league final showed at times the qualities we have come to expect from the first team. They passed the ball around fluently and their dogged determination across the park was very impressive. But unfortunately it was enough to overcome the slighty more physical and direct play implimented by Everton.

To summarize, I would say that when we got the ball on the ground and passed it around we looked by far the better team. The first 15 mins were an example of just how hard Kit Symons and his coaching team have worked. The quick instinctive passes were evidence of a quality team. Each player held their positions and at times it was triangular passing at it's best. Josh Pritchard was running the centre midfield and Karim Frei was causing them all manner of problems. Everton got into their stride and began to dominate the game as the half went on. However, neither team looked like scoring in a tight half.

The second half was far more open, Everton preferring the longer ball and deep crosses, whilst we continued to try to pass the ball up the park. The chances began coming. On about 70 mins we switched to 4 - 4 - 2 and this seemed to give us the advantage which was rewarded when a cross found it's way to Ronny Minkwitz who smashed in a great finish to go one up. It was a well deserved goal for a player who had really grown into the game and by the end was seemingly everywhere on the pitch, tackling hard and creating opportunities for his team mates.

To be fair to Everton, they did not buckle and through everything at us. A long free kick found it's way to the edge of our box and was drilled in, a quality finish. They brought on a very tall sub who caused us a few problems at the back and it was him who headed the winner, with a great header. We still continued to create chances and sub Richard Peniket had a one on one with minutes to spare, but unfortunately could not keep his shot down.

It was a great game, played with plenty of guts and determination and at times some real quality football. I left feeling that there is some impressive coaching going on at this age range and that if it continues there is a realistic possibility that these kids could make the step up. For me personally, I thought that both full backs, Alex Smith ( left ) and Christian Marquez - Sanchez ( right ) were excellent, very composed and not afraid to charge up the wings. Karem Frei was superb, he is confident on the ball and loves to run at people whilst being able to find a pass at the end of it. Josh Pritchard and Ronny Minkwitz also had good games.

Well done to all involved, although the victory eluded you, you achievement for Fulham Football club has been nothing short of brilliant.

COYW

 

thanks very much for the report, frogman

 

Great detailed report, Froggy. RF said elsewhere that plenty of scouts were there, apparently to watch Marquez-Sanchez. How good is he? Any chance he could be a first team option next season, or is that expecting too much too soon? Same question applies to any others who caught your eye.

 

Marquez-Sanchez is a top top player. Definitely one for the future. Brister and Minkwitz were good as well with Minkwitz working tirelessly. Brister is a good passer of the ball. Don't think he will be a first teamer but his technique is good. Alex Smith is handy but bad decision making does tend to blight him and he is a bit on the small side. Briggs is a better bet at left back. Trotta had no service yesterday as we were missing a killer ball but he seemed quite potent and have heard good things about him. I wasn't that impressed by Frei, didn't think he fit the number 10 role well and was good coming in from a number 7 position. He is useful when playing well but needs to make it consistent. Definitely potential. Apart from that no-one else at the game did anything noticeably amazing. Would need to see more of the centre backs to make a fuller judgement on them.

 

Captain my friend, Marquez - Sanchez was really impressive. He is fairly strong for his age. His positioning was good, full back first but goes forward when given the opportunity. His distribution was fairly solid. If anything he is not the tallest, but his quality positioning meant he dealt with most high balls well. A quality player, is he ready for the first team next year ? He is still young so it would probably be too early. A stint on loan would be more sensible.

The player who stood out the most to me was Alex Smith. He played at left back. He is much like Sanchez, great understanding of his role within the team. If anything he defends better but his passing distribution was excellent. He is very quick and already looks an accomplished player. He needs to bulk out a bit but was the best player in a white shirt. Could make the step up very soon if he can fill out a bit.

Karem Frei was superb. His ability and comfort to use the ball was outstanding. Not afraid to take on 2 or 3 players he was a thorn in Everton's side. He played off the striker in the first half and was very influential. Moved out to the left wing in the second half he still continued to cause problems. He really stretched their defence on the wing, getting in behind and using the ball well. Again quite short, very Steed like, he could be knocking on the door sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately for me, Marcello Trotta was denied much service again up front so I cannot comment too much on his game. He worked very hard for the team but did not really have any clear cut chances on goal. He likes to drop deep and his first touch and hold up play was good. He is physically strong and looked capable of looking after himself. That said he was up against a really good centre back, Everton's number 4. I cannot tell whether he could take it a step higher yet. He clearly knows how to score and that can only bode well for the lad.

The most noticable thing for me though was how well they played as team. They were very well drilled and at times the standard of football was equal to some first team football. The passing in tight situations was great, the awareness of each players role very apparent. Where one player ay have failed another was there to pick up the pieces. Cheick Toure was very vocal as captain and the players responded to him.

This poses quite an interesting point. In my opinion, if this group of players were to continue playing together as a team, they could collectively become a really effective team and, yes, possibly become the team of our future. However, I am not sure that they will get the opportunity to do that. Whether they get offered professional contracts will only become apparent soon. I really hope the club recognises that they play well as a team and reward them with the chance to show in years to come. Now they are only 19/18 and younger. The footballing skill is nearly there, the ability to play as a team is nearly there, they need to physically develop, let's hope they time to do that.

COYW

 

I asked one of the Fulham officials what rated Sanchez so highly, to be told he was 2 footed,
even some of the "prem " full backs are not that, speedy,reads the game well and is excellent at distribution.
Told the others to watch out for FREI, MINKWITZ, JORONEN, goalkeeper commands his area well,and very agile.
SMITH, very promising but lightweight rushes his passes.Trotta big but tires very quickly,needs to work on his fitness.
As the average age is 18y 6mths its time they were loaned out to lower division teams,but make sure they come back if any good.
My fear is that Sanchez may be the first to go.
Agree with you Froggie a great evenings entertainment.

 

I felt quite bad because I didn't know any players by face apart from Trotta and had to ask to borrow a team sheet from one fan at half time. If it was one of you guys, thanks!

 

Thanks (again) for the feedback, FFC4L, RF and Froggy. As you all say, it sounds like a promising crop for the future.