Stanislav Lobotka during the international friendly match between Slovakia and Wales at Anton Malatinsky Stadium on June 9, 2024, in Trnava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
Stanislav Lobotka will play a key role in Calzona’s 4-3-3 formation. The defensive midfielder was one of the few consistent performers in Napoli’s disappointing 2023/24 season.
The Slovak juggernaut averaged winning 63.9% tackles and 53.6% duels per 90 minutes in the 2023/24 season. Moreover, his prolific footwork has helped keep possession at crucial times at the Naples and the Euro Qualifiers for Slovakia. With a 6.45 recovery rate and a minimal 0.11 yellow cards rate per 90 minutes, Calzona’s tactics will highly depend on the discipline and work rate of the Slovak.
Lobotka featured in 49 matches across all competitions for Napoli in the 2023/24 season, providing one assist. Despite his low attacking lineage up-front, his tempo-controlling and defensive abilities can make the winning difference for the Slovak side.
Young shining star in the Slovak side: Tomas Suslov
Tomas Suslov of Slovakia runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Philipp Mwene (L) and Xaver Schlager of Austria during the international friendly match between Slovakia and Austria at National Football Stadium on March 23, 2024, in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
Tomas Suslov has been a revelation for Calzona’s side throughout the Euro Qualifiers. With players like Juraj Kucka and Ondrej Duda being the veterans of the midfield, this 22-year-old speedster provides an energetic profile up-front for Slovakia.
Suslov can settle into multiple roles including, attacking midfield, central midfield, right-wing, striker, and left-wing, making him a crucial component of the squad. His versatility in playing multiple roles makes him the key player for Calzona’s chances against strong teams like Belgium and Ukraine in Group E. His 3.04 shot rate and 60% cross-accuracy per 90 minutes make him the main attacking threat up-front.
He has made nine goal contributions in 35 appearances for Serie A side, Hellas Verona. His prolific consistency helped Verona numerous times throughout the season, with Suslov being a key starter for the side.
Prediction: Can Calzona create an upset?
Group E features Belgium, Romania, and Ukraine. Slovakia does possess the ability to win against the inexperienced Romanians. With Lobotka-Kucka-Duda in the middle and Milan Skriniar at the back, Calzona can opt to use their defensive prowess to take the matches to the deep waters. Players like Suslov and Haraslin possess quick-counter traits that can be used to hurt their opponents at the very end of the matches.
However, they must be cautious of Belgium, and if they can secure a draw against de Bruyne’s team, Slovakia can expect to qualify for the Round of 16.
Source link : https://www.news9live.com/sports/football/euro-2024-team-preview-slovakia-aim-to-be-the-dark-horses-in-germany-2570937/amp
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Publish date : 2024-06-10 06:45:43
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