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Eliteserien Optician – Runde 10

Why the Eye-Test?

For those of you who have read my comments regarding the Eliteserien and Allsvenskan before, it will come as no surprise that I am taking a more visual approach to my first article, as opposed to the rigorous statistics of Reindeer Hotdog. Although there is plenty of legitimate argument to be made regarding the subjective nature of the eye-test, I have now spent 2 seasons watching the Eliteserien and reducing my notes to what I believe are predominantly objective descriptors (and consequent conclusions).

This strategy has helped me to some all-time best ranks, and I hope that this run can continue as the 2021 Eliteserien season unfolds: 21st in Eliteserien Fantasy (2020 – peaked at 4th), 2nd in Allsvenskan Fantasy (current – peaked at 1st), top 25k in FPL (2020/21), top 10k in Euro Fantasy (current).

For the most part, I reduce my eye-tests to the following variables:

  • Frequency with which a team attempts (and fails) to pass the ball out of their own half.
  • Number of players behind the ball out of possession.
  • Proportion of long-shots conceded.
  • Height and structure of defensive line.
  • System changes relative to score and, therefore, how likely a side is to concede more than 1.
  • Relative player positioning in possession – advanced, central, under-/over-lapping, etc.
  • Centre-points of attacking play i.e., playmaker and target-man.
  • Frequency and “ambition” with which a player shoots – selfishness & confidence.
  • Off-the-ball positioning and ‘Out of Position’ players.

As this is my first article regarding my beloved eye-test, I will look to introduce some of these variables by using contextual examples from an Eliteserien match in either Runde 8 or Runde 9, therefore demonstrating not only what I look for in these games but how I apply this to adapt my squad. In future weeks, I will look to introduce each of the remaining variables as I see particularly relevant to my thoughts and plans.

Frequency with which a team attempts (and fails) to pass the ball out of their own half

Beginning with one of my favourites, I use this variable to qualitatively record, and thus provide more insight into, mistake-contingent statistics. Key components include mistake frequency, risk caused by build-up play, risk caused by poor player distribution, and the consequent likelihood of mistakes leading to goals.

It may not come much of a surprise that Trømso are the side with the greatest issues of late, specifically in their losses to Lillestrom and Odd in Runde 8 and 9, respectively.

Versus Lillestrom, the issues began in the 38th minute as a poor pass out the back ended up at the feet of Ifeanyi Mathew. The defence then entered a state of complete disarray as Mathew found Gjermund Åsen on the left, leaving Thomas Lehne Olsen in acres of space to get a shot off from 10 yards. This pattern continued throughout the match, Lehne Olsen capitalising on this in the 52nd minute to add his second of the match after Jacob Karlstrøm blasted a pass off the shins of his own defender. Back-to-back miskicks from Isak Amundsen gave Lehne Olsen an opening to complete his hattrick in the 58th minute, but fortunately the Lillestrom talisman failed to take advantage and spared Amundsen’s blushes.

Despite facing a high-pressing Odd side in Runde 9, it was quite clear from the off that Trømso would not learn from their mistakes. A simple interception by Joshua Kitolano in the 13th minute presented Markus Kaasa with a chance to make it 1-0; Sander Svendsen probably would have done so had Kaasa looked for the pass. Two pathetic missed interceptions leading to Mushaga Bakenga’s second of the night warrant discussion as ‘losses of possession’, the Trømso defenders seemingly dumbfounded by the prospect of intercepting Odin Björtuft’s weak pass from inside his own half.

This consistent insistence on playing the ball out the back, regardless of opposing pressure and ability to do so, makes Trømso a clear target in weeks to come. It is because of this that I currently have the armband on Bendik Bye for Runde 10 – a player I later mention with regards to ambitious shooting. In this instance, it is quite clear irrespective of these highlights that this defence is one of the weaker in the division, however it is the instances in which errors like this are identifiable without a clear correlation to goals conceded that make this analysis beneficial.

A brief example of this is with Molde’s latest shot-stopper Oliver Petersen. On two occasions in Runde 9 (in the 45th and 60th minutes), hesitant distribution from the youngster nearly cost Molde the three points, on the earlier occasion presenting a great chance for the usually clinical Erik Botheim to break to deadlock. It is for this reason I am confident in starting Fred Friday vs. Molde in Runde 10, hoping that this trend continues.

Number of players behind the ball out of possession

Although this tends to fluctuate game-by-game, a side’s defensive structure relative to the strength of opposition is often beneficial to transfer planning when attempting to target weaker defences. A prime example of this can be found in Mjøndalen’s performances vs. Strømsgodset and Kristiansund, two games versus fantastic attacking sides across which they only conceded twice.

Versus Strømsgodset, there was only one occasion (1/7) where there were fewer than 7 Mjøndalen players in their own box at the time a shot was taken; on four occasions (4/7) there were 8 or 9 defenders present. The opposition, however, had 7 or more men in their own box for just three (3/9) of Mjøndalen’s attempts. This defensive onslaught not only means that a greater proportion of shots are inevitably blocked but it means that the opposition are forced to take a greater proportion of their shots from distance (or not at all), with little space to play into further forwards. This directly links to the proportion of long-shots conceded – a variable I assess separately, hopefully to be discussed in future articles.

Something I had not realised until writing this article is the consistency with which Mjøndalen have been able to hold off onslaughts from big sides this season, conceding only once to Valerenga, twice away at Viking, twice away at Bodø/Glimt, and keeping a clean sheet versus Molde. It is quite clear that Mjøndalen are, as last season also showed, no whipping boys. It is, therefore, unlikely that I will captain an opposing player again this season (despite Sondre Sørli’s Runde 7 haul being one time in which I have done so prior).

Height and structure of defensive line

The positioning and structural integrity of a team’s defensive line is often only represented by statistics that regard shots and chances conceded. However, the use of the eye-test allows for the identification of the specific limitations of a system. This is the primary reason for my Runde 10 move: Carlo Holse to Ola Brynhildsen. The system in question: Strømsgodset, specifically versus Mjøndalen’s Martin Ovenstad.

From the off, it was clear that Ovenstad was going to be allowed space to flourish, following up on Lars Olden Larsen’s 5th minute shot without contest, acres of space left both inside and outside of Lars-Christopher Vilsvik for the Mjøndalen winger. This continued throughout the first half, another prime example being in the 31st minute where Ovenstad was left isolated to set up an Ole Sveen shot whilst only Vilsvik was present on the entire right-hand side of the Strømsgodset half (when Ovenstad received the ball). Even as Nikolas Walstad looked to overlap, no defender came across to help contain the threat.

Ovenstad went on to have 5 shots, scoring in the 58th minute with (no prizes for guessing) a shot curled through this gap left between Vilsvik and the rest of the defence. Having flourished in recent weeks, I have no reason to doubt that Molde’s attack will take advantage of this space. Ola Brynhildsen loves a shot from the area identified, so I’m backing him to grab a goal on his next outing.

Relative player positioning in possession – advanced, central, under-/over-lapping, etc

This is probably the variable I most often take note of because a player’s positioning relative to that of their teammates is usually a top-tier predictor of goal involvement, to an extent more so than player ability, thus making it pivotal in selecting a fantasy football squad. Although relatively self-explanatory, using the eye-test to assess player positioning in different situations provides a much better idea of attacking involvement than a simple heat map. This is because, for example, relative player positioning during counterattacks is much more important than their average position over ninety minutes.

Two teams where this evaluation is essential to selecting the best attacking options are Valerenga and Bodø/Glimt, this because of the large quantity of attacking options requiring comparison. This makes the Runde 8 tie an ideal opportunity to see how the sides’ systems may benefit, or hinder, some options.

In the absence of Aron Dønnum, and the consequent introduction of Tobias Christensen, it was apparent from the off that Valerenga would have to adapt their system to accommodate their primarily central selection of attacking assets: Henrik Bjørdal, Osame Sahraoui (‘central’ given that Amor Layouni has occupied the left wing since arriving), Henrik Udahl, and the aforementioned Tobias Christensen. Since my comment regarding Christian Borchgrevink last week, my thoughts have not changed (with the exception that, versus Stabaek, Christensen occupied a wider position at times, with Borchgrevink underlapping): “VIF looked like a different side against Glimt, Sahraoui & Christensen both occupying central positions in a somewhat changed system. This left space for Borchgrevink to advance from right-back, taking 3 shots from open play vs. a strong Glimt side”. It was because of this that I opted to start Borchgrevink versus Stabaek, a decision I have not yet been made to regret at the time of article submission.

Unlike Valerenga, Bodø/Glimt have had little reason to adjust their system this season. Visual assessment of their players’ positioning, however, has been crucial to identifying the greatest value options early on. The three key comparisons, for me, have been Alfons Sampsted versus Fredrik Bjørkan, Brunstad Fet versus Ulrik Saltnes, and Sondre Sørli versus Ola Solbakken. I will be going into these over the coming weeks as I look to shift Glimt assets out ahead of two blank Gameweeks either side of a tough away tie to Sarpsborg 08.

Frequency and “ambition” with which a player shoots – selfishness & confidence

Last, but certainly not least, comes a variable for which I use far too many words to simply state: “he shoots lots and I like that”. Although shot frequency and xG can be reflected statistically, there is a certain beauty in the interaction between ambition and confidence/selfishness which can only really be identified by watching a player. The best examples of this, for me, are: Amahl Pellegrino (formerly of Kristiansund), Aron Dønnum, Kristoffer Velde, Bendik Bye, and Kristoffer Normann Hansen. This is something I will look to discuss in more detail in upcoming weeks. This alone has contributed hugely to my game-plan in recent years and will do so in weeks to come – Velde’s arrival is imminent.

Conclusion: And Your Thoughts?

The more I think, the more I realise how much depth can be put behind visual analysis, and I truly believe that watching more games is the number one route to improvement in any fantasy manager. Despite a great acknowledgement of the importance of statistics, I feel that an overemphasis on the numbers is often a hindrance rather than a gift when it comes to fantasy football. That said, I am very interested to hear alternative opinions, whether they regard how you use the eye-test or the emphasis which you place on it relative to statistics. I will look to discuss some of these opposing opinions in future articles.

Best of luck for Runde 10! Cue Bye and Brynhildsen blanks.

Eytexi @Eytexi on Twitter for English Eliteserien & Allsvenskan content. One half of @CaribouKraftPOD (footballing & fantasy content).

698 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting...
    Eliteserien Fantasy has listed 2 saves made by Sandefjord
    1 for Storevik
    AND 1 for Foss?...
    That would be a penalty no?

    1. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Only in Eliteserien!

  2. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And we have our first goal of the day!
    Seems like a lifetime as far as Eliteserien goes...
    But it's Tromso that take the lead in the 29th minute
    Totland with the opener

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ebiye assist

  3. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal!
    And it's Rosenborg that level things up vs Tromso
    Islamovic in the 35th minute

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Hoff assist

  4. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Molde take the lead against Lillestrom
    1-0
    Hussain with the goal

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Brynhildsen assist

  5. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stromsgodset
    1 Will Røsholt Myhra
    2 Ari Leifsson
    3 Jonathan Parr
    26 Lars-Christopher Horst Jan Vilsvik
    71 Gustav ValsvikKAPTEIN
    6 Ipalibo Jack
    7 Herman Sørby Stengel
    8 Johan Hove
    9 Imoh Fred Friday
    17 Tobias Fjeld Gulliksen
    19 Halldor Østervold Stenevik

    Stabæk
    12 Robert Marcus Sandberg
    4 Simen Søraunet WangbergKAPTEIN
    15 Sturla Ottesen
    18 Jeppe Arctander Moe
    27 Nicolas Pignatel Jenssen
    8 Herolind Shala
    10 Markus Solbakken
    11 Kornelius Normann Hansen
    23 Oliver Valaker Edvardsen
    32 Antonio Nusa
    17 Fitim Azemi

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Vilsvik back for Stromsgodset
      As he was still flagged up to deadline I went Valsvik instead

  6. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal!!
    Valerenga take the lead against Haugesund
    And guess who?
    Donnum of course

  7. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Haugesund strike back immediately!!!
    1-1
    Krygard goal

  8. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    KBK goal!
    1-0
    Aasbak slots it home

  9. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Scenes!!!
    Another goal for Haugesund
    2-1 vs Valerenga
    Wadji gives them the lead

  10. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Oooft!!!
    3-1 Haugesund - some result so far!
    Wadji brace

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wadji didn't even notice that he scored. Klaesson pushed the ball into his back. Velde assist again.

  11. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And just as I post that one
    Haugesund have the ball in the net again!!!
    Ah - but it's disallowed...

  12. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Rosenborg take the lead in the 68th minute
    1-2
    Holse goal

  13. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Rosenborg make it certain with a third goal
    1-3
    Tagseth makes sure of the points

  14. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    KBK get a 2nd
    Oh dear - looks like an own goal...

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yep - its the sub Fjeldskar that guides in his own goal

  15. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    No clean sheet for Molde
    Lillestrom score at the death!
    Ranger goal

  16. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And do Mjondalen habe the winner in the 92nd minute?!?!!
    Walstad thinks so!
    0-1

  17. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Ah Bollox...
    My double Mjondalen clean sheet is gone in the fecking 97th minute
    Bamba you Bar Steward!!!
    1-1

  18. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    5 minutes played and Stabaek have the ball in the net - but it’s disallowed

  19. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Half Time
    Stromgodset 1 Stabaek 1
    Goals from Hove and Edvardsen

  20. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stabaek substitiion
    Azemi off - Shooter on

  21. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hove shoots from 25 yards out - but it's just wide

  22. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Penalty to stabaek!!

  23. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And it's saved!!!!
    Hit low but right down the middle from Skytte
    Save Mr Myhra

    1. leo_messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Myhra on my bench,do you think Selvik will be ready for the second game?

      1. Mince n Tatties
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Not sure matey - it's up in the air who plays in goal for their 2nd game
        Fingers crossed for you - it's a quick turn around so hopefully you'll get the Mhyra points!

  24. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    And now Friday is through - he heads well - but the bounce takes it over the bar!

  25. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Goal!
    Friday makes no mistake this time!
    2-1 Stromsgodset

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Hove assist - Lovely Jublee

    2. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Was so close to do Ohi —> Friday (-4) for AA but backed out in the end… I wish I had some balls

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Think removing Ohi this week wouldn't have made much sense.

        Can't be judging the logic of a move with just hindsight.

  26. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    used two captains chip this week -Bakenga and Hove! happy days

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Well played sir!
      I can see more to come from them against Odd too

  27. FPL Xylophone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Happy Myhra and Hove owner. 69 points and 11 players to go

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Well played - bonus still to come
      Although it looks like Hove has lost his assist for the Friday goal...

      1. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you! I just noticed about the assist... second time they are taking an assist away after the game is over... bizarre...

        1. Mince n Tatties
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          It was a clear ball in from Hove and Friday got on the end of it
          At first I thought Friday might not of got a touch and it was a second Hove goal
          Unless somehow Sandberg got something on it first before Friday and hence no assist
          But if this was FPL - it would be a Hove assist

          1. Mince n Tatties
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Surely they have to give Hove the assist?

          2. FPL Xylophone
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Tough call. Unless the ball hit the defender and then returned to Friday who scored. In fpl would have been an assist i agree.

            1. Mince n Tatties
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Bonus is in...
              3 for Friday
              2 for Hove
              Surprised Myhra got nothing - but this is Eliteserien!!

              1. FPL Xylophone
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Yes i see Edvardsen got the last bonus point... oh well... no complaints as yesterday i got 2 bonus for Berg 🙂

                1. FPL Xylophone
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  Hove got the assist back!

                  1. Mince n Tatties
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    2 years, 8 months ago

                    Yes - but after bonus was awarded.
                    Wonder if he would have got 3 bonus if the assist had stood in the first place!

                    1. FPL Xylophone
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 8 months ago

                      True i was wondering the same... something must have changed in the points cause suddenly im 40-50 places up or so without my points increasing.

  28. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Desler sold to Toulouse (6 months left on contract).

    All the talent leaving the league and both Glimt and Molde doing their best to avoiding finishing first.

    European Conference League at best now, too.

    Not cool.

    1. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It does feel that way
      Any gossip on anyone coming in?

    2. troux
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Will Desler complete the season with Haugesund before moving on?

      Also, are we expecting there to be any more DGW's after DGW14?

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        It's being reported that he's played his last game for Haugesund as he's joining Toulouse pretty much right away.

        Hoping he'll play on Wednesday but that's not what I've read. Will post any updates as and when I find out.

        Been royally screwed over bringing him in.

        1. Mince n Tatties
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Excellent - that doesn't bode well for their double in Runde 14
          Between injuries, transfers and suspensions (Borchgevink etc) it's be a right Stramash!!

          1. ReindeerHotdog
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I'd hold off on bringing any Molde/Vålerenga/Rosenborg assets in right now as they all have European Conference League games (2 legs) before their next domestic fixtures.

            I didn't even think to check Dealer's contract - if I'd have know it was up soon I might have gone with a different FKH defender but meh, can't get everything right

        2. ReindeerHotdog
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Desler gone.

          1. Mince n Tatties
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Red Flagged - more hits to be taken in Runde 14!

            1. Mullered in Maenam
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Looks like I'll have a few out, but a -4 has got to be worth it. Thanks by the way for all your team posts and comments, I don't post much but do read all the comments on Eliteserien. I'm going to guess you are a Scotsman as am I. I enjoy this game and Allsvenskan, cheers.

            2. ReindeerHotdog
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah he's gone to Toulouse. No longer at the club.

  29. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Ingebrigtsen no longer Brann manager.

    The club confirmed they separated with him.

    No idea who they're looking to bring in.

    I fear for Åge Hareide at Rosenborg - not long at the helm but they're so inconsistent and keep failing to get 3pts from winnable games. Would be incredibly embarrassing if they fail to win the ECL qualifier Vs FH Hafnarfjordur so that'll be a must win tie at the very least.

  30. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stabæk

    12 Robert Marcus Sandberg
    3 Yaw Eystein Ihle Amankwah KAPTEIN
    15 Sturla Ottesen
    18 Jeppe Arctander Moe
    27 Nicolas Pignatel Jenssen
    10 Markus Solbakken
    11 Kornelius Normann Hansen
    23 Oliver Valaker Edvardsen
    24 Kaloyan Kalinov Kostadinov
    67 Tortel Lumanza Lembi
    32 Antonio Nusa

    Lillestrøm

    12 Mads Hedenstad Christiansen
    4 Espen Bjørnsen Garnås
    5 Vetle Winger Dragsnes
    30 Ogbu Igoh
    8 Ifeanyi Mathew
    11 Tobias Hammer Svendsen
    21 Magnus Nordengen Knudsen
    23 Gjermund Åsen
    25 Eskil Smidesang Edh
    26 Lars Mogstad Ranger
    10 Thomas Lehne Olsen