René Barmettler
You know it from Raphael Diaz. But above all from Santeri Alatalo. He grabs the puck behind the goal and shakes himself free from the opponent. He starts running, doesn’t let himself be deterred by the stick work of the opposing striker who is panting afterwards. He rushes through his own and middle zone at high speed and brings the puck to where it should be dangerous for the opponent. It looks extremely elegant and is technically beautiful to look at. But inimitable?
Not without further ado. Because more and more EVZ defenders try in the style of an Alatalo. Be it Livio Stadler (22), Nico Gross (21) or Tobias Geisser (22): They are all less and less satisfied with just getting the first clean passport to the man. This trio is, so to speak, the next level that the EVZ ignites.
“These guys are doing great,” says Alatalo. “Your game with the puck looks very good. The self-confidence has increased, they work a lot and learn from us older people. ” But one thing must always be kept in mind:
«You mustn’t think like a striker. Our most important job is still to prevent goals. ”
This also works mostly satisfactorily, as Zug currently has the second best defense in addition to the best offensive in the league.
Much ice age and sometimes a little shortness of breath
In order for it to stay that way, Zug must survive the upcoming program as unscathed as possible. This week there are four games: today in Freiburg, on Wednesday against Servette, on Friday in Langnau and on Saturday for dessert of the tough four-course with the ZSC Lions.
Since two experienced defenders, Dominik Schlumpf and Diaz, are absent, Alatalo’s role is that of sole defense minister. The flood of games does not deter the most productive defender with a Swiss license, on the contrary: “After the forced break, it’s a pleasure to play again. There will be a lot of ice age for me, so that I will get breathless every now and then », says the 30-year-old Alatalo with a laugh.
“But these four games this week are already possible for me.”
Since the list of absences has recently been growing because of positive PCR tests, the EVZ is currently missing players with a total of 54 goals this season. It is therefore not surprising that the last time the ZSC Lions (1: 2) and Ambri-Piotta (2: 3) scored goals despite many chances. But here, too, it became apparent that second-row players are a promise.
Arno Nussbaumer (18) or Valentin Hofer (19) played on the defensive, Dario Allenspach (18) impressed at the front with an overview and his first goal in the National League against Ambri. “They have a lot of self-confidence”, praises Alatalo, “in training you get the feeling that you have been with us forever.” But he also puts into perspective:
“There is still a long way to go for them to establish themselves in the National League.”
Where to stay or change will become known after the end of the season
For some time now, the Finn from Tampere has been moving to Lugano. The South Ticino association has not announced any commitment so far. Alatalo is still holding back with a statement about staying on Zug or a possible change.
“When the season is over, I will comment on it.”
For Zug, a possible loss after Diaz’s departure to Friborg-Gottéron would not be easy to cope with. Despite the young defender trio with the Alatalo style.
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