PREMARLIGAEN 2052/53 - TEAM PREVIEWS - PART THREE
FRANSBORG SET NJILKAER:
Stadium: Fransborg Park (39,000); Manager: Jakob Lunds, 59; Captain: Andreas den Lind, MC, 34; Star player: Conwal Ibarborde [MRT], DC, 23
Last season: 10th; Top scorer: Tyshonne Rose, 10
Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Diego Clarke; Thorsten Norberg, Conwal Ibarborde [MRT], Anthony Addai, Torsten Rochemback; Mark Brigholm, Taheim Richards [DSM]; D'Nero Longa-Mbira, Tevin Rose, Jesper Thorbourne; Tyshonne Rose.
Transfers in: Amadou Diomande, DC, 30 (Krsthaven, free); Tyrell Bing [DAN], DC, 32 (Lion City Celtic [DAN], free); Dražan Kovač [PAS], DMC, 16 (Haslief [PAS], undisclosed); Tevin Rose, AMC, 25 (Eikborg Club, 1.5M); Shakim Sanders, AMR, 29 (Eikborg Club, 0.5M)
Transfers out: Jurgen Jacobsen, DC, 29 (Aaadesbrigg Klub, free); Jasper Brandstrom, DC, 29 (Aaadesbrigg Klub, free); Rees Whinmoor, DR, 23 (Simethagen, free); Mikkel Matthias, AMC, 23 (Krsthaven, 3M)
PREVIEW: After their 6th place finish in 2050/51, there were very high hopes for Jakob Lunds and his Fransborg set Njilkaer side and some even thought they'd crack the top 4 in 2051/52. It wasn't to be unfortunately for them, and instead they achieved a fairly respectable 10th place finish. Not good enough for some of their more overzealous fanbase, and club legend Lunds takes no risks as he delved into the transfer market, bringing in five new players. Defenders Amadou Diomande (Krsthaven) and Tyrell Bing (Lion City Celtic of Dantopia) join on free transfers, replacing pair Jurgen Jacobsen and Jasper Brandstrom who both joined Aaadesbrigg Klub also on free transfers, whilst highly regarded young Pasargan defensive midfielder Dražan Kovač joins on an undisclosed fee. Eikborg Club's Tevin Rose and Shakim Sanders also join permanently, with Rose a replacement for one of last season's key players Mikkel Matthias, who signed for Krsthaven for £3,000,000.
The loss of Matthias isn't the be all and end all - Rose might not be as highly regarded but he certainly impressed when afforded the opportunity to last season for Eikborg Club, and offers a fairly similar style of play in the #10 role. Wingers (or interchangably support strikers) D'Nero Longa-Mbira and Jesper Thorbourne continued to provide excellent support to legendary striker Tyshonne Rose (no relation to Tevin), and the club's defence remains solid as ever, especially Mertagne national team member Conwal Ibarborde, who is most suitably described as a rock at the back. With a bit of a boost in squad depth thanks to the arrivals of the likes of Kovač, Diomande, Sanders and Bing, FsN may be some way off IFCF places just yet, but should have a comfortable season. The top 10 is getting close now however, and the loss of Matthias might be a touch too much in their quest for a top half finish.
PREDICTION: On paper, the squad looks like they would finsih comfortably in the top 8. Downward trends are possible however, and the loss of Matthias won't help. 11th.
SQUAD LIST:
No Pos Name Age Nat
#1 GK Diego Clarke 28 [SEM]
#2 DR Torsten Rochemback 29 [SEM]
#3 DL Thorsten Norberg 28 [SEM]
#4 DC Anthony Addai 30 [SEM]
#5 DC Assane Sarr 28 [SEM]
#6 DMC Mark Brigholm 25 [SEM]
#7 AMR Jesper Thorbourne 25 [SEM]
#8 MC Andreas den Lind (c) 34 [SEM]
#9 ST Tyshonne Rose 32 [SEM]
#10 AMC Tevin Rose 25 [SEM]
#11 AML D'Nero Longa-Mbira 26 [SEM]
#12 GK Bartelome Tamba 21 [SEM]
#14 AMR Shakim Sanders 29 [SEM]
#15 DC Amadou Diomande 30 [SEM]
#16 DL Gunnar Courtberg 22 [SEM]
#17 ST Yaman Nes Rix 23 [FFD]
#18 ST Jaden Kasanga 23 [SEM]
#19 DC Conwal Ibarborde 23 [MRT]
#20 DMC Isaac Makiadi 22 [SEM]
#21 DC Tyrell Bing 32 [DAN]
#22 MC Taheim Richards 26 [DSM]
#23 W Caylen Hunter-Abram 23 [SEM]
#26 DMC Dražan Kovač 16 [PAS]
JANSBERG LAGUNA:
Stadium: Stadion Laguna (37,000); Manager: Jonjo Jacobsen, 52; Captain: Isseck Demba, DC, 26; Star player: Pascall Marvell, MC, 25
Last season: 1st (2Ligaen); Top scorer: Kadeem Clark, 28
Likely XI (4-3-1-2): Mads Courts; Jordell Remy, Isseck Demba (c), Simon de Lind, Jovon Remy; Pascal Marvell, Mikael Karlstadt, Max Newgate; Tyriq Clark-Anderson; Kadeem Clark, Micah Martin.
Transfers in: Simon de Lind, DC, 28 (Molsbik Arkjet, free)
Transfers out: Knud Jonsson, DMC, 34 (retired)
PREVIEW: After suffering relegation in 2050/51, new manager Jonjo Jacobsen allowed them to bounce back up at the first attempt. The reigning 2Ligaen champions are back, and whilst they may be seen as Jansberg's second (or at times, third) club, former FC Jansberg player Jacobsen is on a mission to prove Laguna is more than just that. Strike force Kadeem Clark and Micah Martin, both academy products, netted almost 60 combined goals last season, thanks to the services of veteran playmaker Tyriq Clark-Anderson (still going strong at 36) and the creative talents of midfielders Pascal Marvell and Max Newgate. Marvell was easily the best midfielder in the 2Ligaen last season - racking up a total of 26 assists (the second most in the league), and he will be key as Laguna aim for survival. New arrival Simon de Lind slots into the back alongside former fringe player and recently made captain Isseck Demba, whilst highly rated twin wing-backs Jordell and Jovon Remy provide support down the flanks.
Both Remy twins impressed as inverted wing-backs - a tactic many would never have expected to see in the 2Ligaen - though Jovon in particular is comfortable with both feet. Jacobsen's pledge to trust in youth paid off, with several youngsters featuring as squad players towards the season, namely goalkeeper Darren Mondelez and forwards Blake Mars and Djereme Wilson. Mondelez and Mars were both members of Semarland's U18 World Cup team and come highly regarded, with interest from bigger clubs this summer. Jacobsen did well to convince them to stay, and they'll hope their continued to be repaid for their loyalty and hard work with further first team opportunities.
PREDICTION: It'll be a tough season no doubt, and whether they stay up or not will be a close call. Unfortunately for Laguna, it might just not be enough. 18th.
SQUAD LIST:
No Pos Name Age Nat
#1 GK Mads Courts 31 [SEM]
#2 DR Serge Mukende 32 [SEM]
#3 DL Jonatan Claresberg 30 [SEM]
#4 DC Adren Nevvik 28 [SEM]
#5 DC Simon de Lind 28 [SEM]
#6 DMC Mikael Karlstadt 20 [SEM]
#7 AMR Tevon Thomas 32 [SEM]
#8 MC Max Newgate 23 [SEM]
#9 ST Jacob Carlstadt 32 [SEM]
#10 AMC Tyriq Clark-Anderson 36 [SEM]
#11 AML Given Simukonda 25 [SEM]
#12 GK Adnan Karlstadt 21 [SEM]
#14 AMR Surprise Ilunga 21 [SEM]
#15 DC Andreas Strandberg 24 [SEM]
#16 ST Kadeem Clark 21 [SEM]
#17 ST Micah Martin 21 [SEM]
#18 MC Pascall Marvell 25 [SEM]
#19 DR Jovon Remy 20 [SEM]
#20 DC Isseck Demba (c) 26 [SEM]
#21 DL Jordell Remy 20 [SEM]
#22 DC Anders den Linds 30 [SEM]
KA EASTLANDS:
Stadium: Eastlands (44,000); Manager: Junde Toonga, 50; Captain: Valentin Lindroos, DL, 29; Star player: Auðkell Kolsson [GRF], MC, 21
Last season: 3rd (2Ligaen); Top scorer: Teemu Makonnen, 25
Likely XI (5-3-2): Seydou Diaby; Valentin Lindroos (c), Devonte Poynter, Abraham Acheampong, Tongo Diaby, Tyron Jonson; Cadell Ramsey, Nathan Kalambayi, Auðkell Kolsson [GRF]; Javon Bonaire, Teemu Makonnen.
Transfers in: Mike Croslin [KOR], DC, 20 (Civitas Maximum [KOR], free); Auðkell Kolsson [GRF], MC, 21 (Lyndsandur [GRF], free)
Transfers out: None
PREVIEW: Similar to fellow promoted side Jansberg Laguna, new manager Junde Toonga managed to return KA Eastlands to the Premarligaen on the first try. Whilst fans were pleased with promotion, one grumble was the style of football Toonga employs, no matter how successful. Five at the back is rarely a desired method for any Semar football fan, though their defensive record of only 33 goals conceded in 46 was admirable enough. Life can be frustrating for KA Eastlands fans as they've found out in recent years, but for most of them - they'll be pleased enough to be back in the Premarligaen to comment on their playing style. Toonga made just two signings, with Auðkell Kolsson and Mike Croslin both joining on free transfers from Graentfjall's Lyndsandur and Ko-oren's Civitas Maximum respectively.
New signings Kolsson and Croslin should play a significant part in Eastlands' season - Graentfjall international Kolsson will be a key part of the midfield trio and young Ko-orenite defender Croslin will likely start as a substitute but play a more significant role as the season progresses, with Toonga stating he has high hopes for the former Civitas Maximum defender, who can also play at right back if needed. Top scorer last season Teemu Makonnen is still only 20 years old and possesses only a full season of 2Ligaen experience, having played in the lower leagues for Finqar Atletiik before joining in 2051. Whether he and Javon Bonaire can adapt to the Premarligaen remains to be seen, with the two currently favoured over the last pairing they had when they were in the Premarligaen of Knudt Jarle and Kaveon Etienne.
PREDICTION: It's going to be a long, hard season for KA Eastlands. Whilst their style of play is admirable, it won't be as likely to hold against stronger attacks. 19th.
SQUAD LIST:
No Pos Name Age Nat
#1 GK Stefan Brandstrom 29 [SEM]
#2 DR Issouf Sarr 30 [SEM]
#3 DL Valentin Lindroos (c) 29 [SEM]
#4 DC Devonte Poynter 29 [SEM]
#5 DC Abraham Acheampong 29 [SEM]
#6 DMC Nathan Kalambayi 30 [SEM]
#7 AMR Kare Mikkel 31 [SEM]
#8 MC Par Clark 31 [SEM]
#9 ST Knudt Jarle 30 [SEM]
#10 AMC Thor Brandt 30 [SEM]
#11 AML Shadreck Makuka 29 [SEM]
#12 GK Seydou Diaby 22 [SEM]
#14 AMR Knud Saxmark 26 [SEM]
#15 DC Tongo Diaby 22 [SEM]
#16 ST Javon Bonaire 21 [SEM]
#17 ST Kaveon Etienne 22 [SEM]
#18 MC Auðkell Kolsson 21 [GRF]
#19 DR Tyron Jonson 21 [SEM]
#20 DMC Cadell Ramsey 21 [SEM]
#21 DL Carmelo Jacobsen 21 [SEM]
#22 DC Thor Carlstadt 21 [SEM]
#23 MC Steffan Eklundsen 28 [SEM]
#24 DC Mike Croslin 20 [KOR]
#26 ST Teemu Makonnen 20 [SEM]
KANGEMARK SPORT:
Stadium: Sorensen House (43,000); Manager: Isaac Mirallas, 63; Captain: Ibrahim Souleymane, DMC, 26; Star player: Rahim Nallo, DC, 21
Last season: 7th; Top scorer: Ramello Marshall, 20
Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Gaetano Jorgensen; Deniro Eastwood, Marco Cole, Rahim Nallo, Jaheim Santana; Ibrahim Souleymane (c), Hamim Zakwan Nader [PAS]; Rakeem Dollar [DAN], Nassim Cole-Emerston, Johan Sakho; Ramello Marshall.
Transfers in: Kazim Rouell, GK, 20 (Sporting Solsholm, free); Hamim Zakwan Nader [PAS], MC, 27 (Stein-los Turkish [PAS], 2M); Drasko Ramusovic [MYT], MC, 18 (Litala 93 [MYT], free); Jahmal Euell, AML, 19 (academy); Rakeem Dollar [DAN], AMR/L, 30 (Lion City FC [DAN], free)
Transfers out: Yasim Monteruiz, GK, 24 (FC Sjordsbrik, free); Terry Larsen, DC, 27 (Simethagen, free); Nahom Teklemariam, AML, 21 (FC Jansberg, 5M); Claes Karlsson, AML, 30 (Aerlo Sport, free); Karl Linds, AMR, 30 (Colchester & Baxwell, free)
PREVIEW: For the second season in a row, Isaac Mirallas secured a 7th place finish for his Kangemark Sport side. Whilst they were tipped to finish just outside the IFCF qualification zone, a combination of injury issues and international callups affected their chances of a higher place finish, with several key players part of Semarland's World Cup qualifying pool. They'll have that to worry about again this season, and the only real issue at the club is a lack of squad depth. The loss of one of their star players in Nahom Teklemariam to defending champions FC Jansberg is a big hit, but fans have high hopes for young forward Jahmal Euell - who is also capable of filling in as a striker if required. Mirallas also brought in versatile and ambidextrous Dantopian winger Rakeem Dollar on a free transfer (lol), who will likely start in place of Teklemariam with Euell as backup. The club did very well to keep hold of defender Rahim Nallo and top scorer Ramello Marshall, both considered two of Semarland's best young talents at the moment, and fans will hope they select to stay and build a legacy at the club, though no hard feelings are held against Teklemariam.
Also coming in is Pasargan midfielder Hamim Zakwan Nader who adds strength in midfield, and has already impressed highly in pre-season. Mytanar youngster Drasko Ramusovic also joins, whilst Sporting Solsholm's goalkeeper Kazim Rouell is signed as a backup on the back of a successful campaign with his club's U20 side that resulted in the custodian being handed his first team debut at the club towards the back end of last season. Rouell selected to nt renew his contract, and will be hoping to at some point dislodge Gaetano Jorgensen between the sticks - a tough task given Jorgensen's international status and very impressive individual performances for the club over the years. Looking to the future, the likes of Euell and Ramusovic come with high hopes, especially given the former's appearances for the "Purple Storm" already, and fans were also impressed with holding midfielder Brandon Bailey-Martin and attacker Kemari Pierrick, who both featured towards the end of last season.
PREDICTION: Third time in a row? We think so. For all the talent they have, it's hard for them to get much higher, though an admirable season awaits. 7th.
SQUAD LIST:
No Pos Name Age Nat
#1 GK Gaetano Jorgensen 28 [SEM]
#2 DR Jaheim Santana 27 [SEM]
#3 DL Deniro Eastwood 26 [SEM]
#4 DC Rahim Nallo 21 [SEM]
#5 DC Marco Cole 24 [SEM]
#6 DMC Ibrahim Souleymane (c) 26 [SEM]
#7 AMR Johan Sakho 21 [SEM]
#8 MC Malakai Jonsson 27 [SEM]
#9 ST Kevin Lindegaard 32 [SEM]
#10 AMC Nassim Cole-Emerston 20 [SEM]
#11 AML Rakeem Dollar 30 [DAN]
#12 GK Kazim Rouell 20 [SEM]
#14 MC Johan Quaison 22 [SEM]
#15 ST Ramello Marshall 20 [SEM]
#16 DC Simon Musondo 33 [SEM]
#17 AML Jahmal Euell 19 [SEM]
#19 DR Kahrel Tagoe 20 [SEM]
#20 MC Hamim Zakwan Nader 27 [PAS]
#21 DL Martin Boampong 21 [SEM]
#22 DC Terry Larsen 27 [SEM]
#23 DMC Gervone Sorenstrom 21 [SEM]
#26 MC Drasko Ramusovic 18 [MYT]
KRSTHAVEN:
Stadium: Stadion Metner (63,000); Manager: Sebastian Galletti [JUE], 57; Captain: Jamal Barker, MC, 27; Star player: Jamal Barker, MC, 27
Last season: 5th; Top scorer: Gennaro Christie, 24
Likely XI (4-3-1-2): Renell Jones; Jan Zeman [PAS], Emran Eriksen, Gael Larsen, Akim Hanley; Jahmari Hexham-Courant, Jamal Barker (c), Blaise Beckton; Mikkel Matthias; Shamal Rookwood, Oreo Jones.
Transfers in: Daniel Moscowitz [PIS], DL, 20 (Skipsbyggere IFK [PIS], free); Felix Kayembe, DC, 18 (academy); Akim Hanley, DR, 27 (FC Nuholm, 2M); Blaise Beckton, MC, 25 (Honeywell & Brighouse, 0.75M); Dante Hill, MC, 19 (academy); Kahziah Mirfield, AML, 19 (academy); Mikkel Matthias, AMC, 23 (Fransborg set Njilkaer, 3M); Oreo Jones, ST, 24 (BT Klub, 1.75M)
Transfers out: Jovon Batley, DL, 29 (FC Nuholm, 0.25M); Amadou Diomande, DC, 30 (Fransborg set Njilkaer, free); Karl Kvist, DR, 26 (SK Nasjonale Hauker [PIS], undisclosed); Johan Chevron, MC, 27 (FC Nuholm, 3M); Rassam Karlsen, AML, 24 (FC Nuholm, 2M); Johan Marselles, AML, 21 (Yaande, free); Jordan Askern, AMC, 27 (Eikborg Club, 1M); Juwon Akinola, AMR, 28 (Molsbik Arkjet, 1M); Mekhi Makengo, AMR, 21 (Yorligenen, free); Gennaro Christie, ST, 28 (Emberton Hibernians [KRY], 3.6M)
PREVIEW: Well. It was a terrible year last season for Krsthaven as they finished in fifth place, denied a chance to qualify for any form of IFCF football and leading to several key players handing in transfer requests. Manager (and club legend, as a player) Marcel Labonne left at the end of his contract after not having his deal renewed by owner Rasmus-Kristian Eriksen, and the club turned to foreign shores to bring in Juven manager Sebastian Galletti. The 57 year old former Juvencus assistant manager comes with a reputation of a different, more defensive brand of football - something the fans of Krsthaven will have to get used to, and as such as he gladly accepted bids for several attackers. Key striker Gennaro Christie will be a big loss as he departs for Krytenian side Emberton Hibernian, whilst the likes of Rassam Karlsen, Jordan Askern and Juwon Akinola all department to various IFCF rivals. Playmaker Johan Chevron and left-back Jovon Batley also departed for FC Nuholm, and right-back and vice-captain Karl Kvist made the move abroad to Polar Islandstates to sign for SK Nasjonale Hauker.
The losses of Kvist, Chevron & Ritchie - all national team players, may we add - will hit hard for fans. Galletti made moves to bring in right-back Akim Hanley from FC Nuholm, attacking midfielder Mikkel Matthias from Fransborg set Njilkaer and striker Oreo Jones from BT Klub. Hanley and Matthias are both fringe players for the national team and respected players in their own right, but fans are naturally more apprehensive on Jones who has just one full season of Premarligaen experience to his name. Jones didn't have a bad return for BT Klub last year, and will probably fare better in the 4-3-1-2 formation employed and favoured by Galletti in partnership with either Shamal Rookwood or Levon Simmonds. Blaise Beckton also joins to boost the midfield from relegated Honeywell & Brighouse, and he will form part of the midfield trio alongside captain and star player Jamal Barker and the talented youngster Jahmari Hexham-Courant. Whilst the gap in competition for the title has been narrowed, Krsthaven are some way off and will hope more than anything to regain a chance to qualify for IFCF football.
PREDICTION: Galletti's appointment is an interesting one, and we're interesting to see how much it pays off in success. For now, they might just miss out on an IFCF spot though. 5th.
SQUAD LIST:
No Pos Name Age Nat
#1 GK Renell Jones 21 [SEM]
#2 DR Akim Hanley 27 [SEM]
#3 DL Jan Zeman 27 [PAS]
#4 DC Gael Larsen 27 [SEM]
#5 DC Emran Eriksen 27 [SEM]
#6 MC Jamal Barker (c) 27 [SEM]
#7 AMR Lasse Jensen 25 [SEM]
#8 MC Jahmari Hexham-Courant 19 [SEM]
#9 ST Oreo Jones 24 [SEM]
#10 AMC Mikkel Matthias 23 [SEM]
#11 AML Kahziah Mirfield 19 [SEM]
#12 GK Jacob Eskildsen 27 [SEM]
#14 MC Blaise Beckton 25 [SEM]
#15 ST Shamal Rookwood 26 [SEM]
#16 ST Levon Simmonds 27 [SEM]
#17 DMC Johan Nuukstrom 21 [SEM]
#18 DC Cortell Wall 27 [SEM]
#20 DC Teyo Echehun 33 [ASG]
#21 DR Tevin Markstrom 23 [SEM]
#22 DC Felix Kayembe 18 [SEM]
#23 MC Dante Hill 19 [SEM]
#26 DL Daniel Moscowitz 20 [PIS]