What’s that you say? Marko Stamenic included in his first proper first team squad for FC Copenhagen? Yeah you’d better believe it. Stamenic signed with FCK back in September and went into the U19s squad where he scored in the final of the youth cup as Copenhagen lifted the trophy. He recently scored for the first team against the U19s in an intra-squad friendly. That was a 3x30min game in which a number of players switched teams as it went along – Stamenic actually started for what was classed as a ‘reinforced’ U19s team and then later on scored against that same group (well, not the ‘same’ group exactly with all the subs but you know what’s up). That one ended 4-4.
This promotion came after the international break which is no coincidence as Carlos Zeca and Viktor Fischer were stuck in quarantine. They also had a dude out with coronavirus and three other injuries hence Stamenic cracked the 19-man travelling squad to face Randers. One player had to miss out on the bench from that group... but it wasn’t Marko. No way. Not only was he in the squad but they gave him a bloody starting debut in midfield!
It hasn’t been the best season for FCK so far. However in a game without an abundance of shooting opportunities they did settle into more of the possession, a slight edge in that midfield battle. Stamenic didn’t have much to do at the beginning as his midfield partner, a block called Jonas Wind, took on more of the ball-playing responsibilities... so Stamenic asserted himself with a few defensive interventions instead. Getting into the rough work in a deeper role, giving away a few free kicks in the process but letting Randers know he wasn’t there to be intimidated. He’s a big fella for an 18 year old, no worries there. Then as the game progressed he began to get more touches of the ball, knocking it around and looking very tidy. By no means flawless but also by no means out of his depth. A really assured debut from a bloke who was coming off the bench for Team Wellington a year ago.
But despite having the better of the first half, FCK went into the sheds down 1-0. They’d already started showing some shaky signs and five minutes before the break they broke. A snapshot volley from the edge of the area seemed to come almost from nowhere but it pinged off the crossbar and way up into the air. Both goalkeeper and defender were there to cover it as it came down but somehow striker Marvin Egho slipped around the both of them to tap it in from close range instead. Not a good one to concede and they were a tad fortunate they didn’t concede again before the half was out.
FCK improved in the second half and would level the game up through a side-footer from Mikkel Kaufmann on 54 minutes and then Zanka nearly gave them the lead when he whacked one off the frame of the goal. Meanwhile Marko Stamenic kept chucking himself about... he picked up a long-overdue yellow card in the 66th minute for dragging down an attacker to stop a break from eventuating. That was about his fifth or sixth foul of the day. He’d be replaced five minutes later with the risk of a red rather high and with Randers, sorry to say it, having just retaken the lead via Alhaji Kamara on the counter attack. Always something Copenhagen were vulnerable to. It ended 2-1 to Randers and FCK tumble to tenth on the ladder with only three wins from nine games.
"Gotta throw this one in even if it’s only a friendly game. AGF were the opponents in a 3 x 45 minute match in which the regular starters (with a few exceptions as there were some dudes unavailable) played the first two thirds before the reserves got the last third, Stamenic included. And that final third was when the difference between the teams told.
FCK were 2-1 up after 90 mins... they went on to win 6-1 with Marko Stamenic scoring one and setting up another. His goal was the fourth, a header from a flicked-on corner at close range (skip to about four mins into the highlights vid). He nearly scored another header from a corner soon after... then with about seven minutes left he linked beautifully with Hákon Arnar Haraldsson for the final goal (6:15, defs have a peek). Fine work from Marko as he seems to be using this winter break to really put up a case for his second senior appearance. This was their final friendly before the real stuff returns."
Up Next: Thursday at 8am away to AaB Aalborg (NZT)
U19 teammate William Bøving got on for his league debut, for me the most promising player in their youth setup behind Stamenić. København have just signed midfielder Lukas Lerager from Genoa - speculation before that was that Marko would become a full-time fixture in matchday squads. Still might be, he’s extremely highly rated at the club
Not in match day squad as Copenhagen (4th) lose 2-1 at Randers (5th). Nikola Mileusnic (credited with an assist) ex Adelaide United, started for Randers.
For what it's worth, 16y/o Kiwi Oscar Obel-Hall made his first squad appearance on the bench for Esbjerg's U19 squad in a league game against Lyngby. Same league that Stamenic has been a regular in
Stamenic not in match day squad as Copenhagen (4th) beat Randers (5th) 2-1, in Danish top flight. Ex Adelaide United, Nikola Mileusnic played the first half for Randers.
Not in match day squad as Copenhagen (3rd) win 3-1 at Brondby (2nd). Is now a Championship split round with 8 games left. Midtjylland remain 1st, 8 points clear of Copenhagen but I guess are catchable.
Does he play in another lower team to keep match fresh? Ask this as it surely must be hard to be ready for an olympics if he has no game time?coochiee
Not in match day squad as Copenhagen (3rd) win 3-1 at Brondby (2nd). Is now a Championship split round with 8 games left. Midtjylland remain 1st, 8 points clear of Copenhagen but I guess are catchable.
Does he play in another lower team to keep match fresh? Ask this as it surely must be hard to be ready for an olympics if he has no game time?coochiee
Not in match day squad as Copenhagen (3rd) win 3-1 at Brondby (2nd). Is now a Championship split round with 8 games left. Midtjylland remain 1st, 8 points clear of Copenhagen but I guess are catchable.
Hopefully Stamenic is available for Tokyo.
See post a few above by MM. Sounds like he's playing regularly in Danish U19 comp. Hay seems to rate him for sure.
Thomas won't be going to Tokyo, and Bell could be doubtful (mid season in Norway). Though Hay has said he's prepared to be flexible, with allowing some players to literally arrive just a few days before first Olympics game, ie skip 2-3 week buildup, to smooth things with their clubs.
Stensness, Lewis & Stamenic could fill DM type roles, with/without Bell.
Not in matchday squad as Copenhagen (4th) lose 4-1 at top of the table Midtjylland (11 pts clear of Copenhagen) Socceroos Awer Mabil with 30 mins off the bench for Midtjylland. 6 matches to go. 4th spot equates to a Europa League Play-off spot.
Not in matchday squad as Copenhagen (3rd) win 2-1 at AGF (4th). 20 yr old ex Roar player Zach Duncan with 20 mins off the bench for AGF. His first game for AGF this season.
