|
Goals from Trofense's Moustapha Ouedraogo, Gérard Gohou of Neuchâtel Xamax and Giovanni Sio, who also plays in Switzerland for FC Sion secured Cote d'Ivoire's success, who sent a squad comprising a number of players who still play their domestic football in Africa in addition to those based in Europe.
A number of members of the Danish squad had the consolation of picking up personal awards at the end of the tournament, including the golden boot for FC Nordsjælland forward Nikki Bille Nielsen.
More significantly, midfield playmaker Mike Lindemann Jensen was identified as the tournament's key breakthrough player, and in doing so became the third recipient of the John Haynes Trophy.
The award, named in memory of Scout7's co-founder, was selected by attending scouts affiliated to the company's French partners UNECATEF. They gave Jensen the award based on his stand-out performances in victories over Russia and Qatar during group stages, which followed his breakthrough season at club level where he started over 30 games in all competitions for Brøndby IF, including four in the UEFA Europa League.
Despite his recognition, Jensen could not hide his disappointment afterwards following his side's failure to return home with the Toulon title. He was also candid enough to admit that he could not maintain his early performances throughout the competition.
"We are all very disappointed because we really wanted to win, but we are also very tired after a long domestic season," he explained to Scout7's Pierre Michaud afterwards.
"I am very honoured to win the John Haynes Trophy, but being honest I could have given more in this tournament. I did have a good first game, but I found it very difficult to play a game every two days and maintain the same level of performance."
The 22-year old Dane follows in the footsteps of Cote d'Ivoire's Emmanuel Kone and Chilean striker Gerson Martinez, who won the award in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Both players have made good progress in their careers since their recognition, with Kone's development standing out in particular. In 2010, he has not only been called-up to the country's African Nations Cup Finals squad, but was also taken to the World Cup Finals under new Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Jensen, who was voted Danish Youth Player of the Year in 2006, is ambitious to emulate Kone and represent his country at senior level, but also knows that he still has plenty to do before he can even contemplate making the step up.
"My Dad, who was here at Toulon with my Mum and my agent, is also now my Head Coach at Brøndby - although I must point out this is not the reason why I have played so many games this season, he was only appointed in March!" says Jensen.
"He is always reminding me that I have achieved nothing in my career so far. I have realised my childhood dream of turning professional and also been part of the Danish youth set-up since I was 16, but I know if I want to break into the senior team I have to carry on working harder and harder to give myself the opportunity of it happening."
As was the case during the previous two years, Scout7's management of all scouting accreditation and on-site scout support was hailed as a success, with over 150 scouts from approaching 100 clubs visiting the Festival during the two weeks.
Scout7's Jerome Lebatard explains how the team dealt with the new logistical challenges they faced during the 2010 competition.
"First and foremost, I must thank the Revello family for once again giving us this opportunity to be involved right in the heart of the organisation of their competition. It is a great privilege to be involved in one of the longest running international competitions and I hope this arrangement will continue for a very long time," he says.
"For the first time in several years, the competition did not start in Toulon, it started in Nice instead. This meant it was crucial to relay all tournament information onto the scouts well in advance of their arrival and I am pleased to say that everyone were able to collect their accreditation at the Stade du Rey on the first day without any problems.
"It was also the first time we exploited communication tools on the web to get information to scouts prior to every game. For example, we were able to post venue details, start times and directions straight onto Scout7's Twitter page in the hours leading up to kick-off. We also published teamsheets before the game, so scouts knew in advance of line-up changes even before they left their hotel.
"We also held a fantastic scouts match during the first week, where a team of French scouts defeated a coalition of English, German and Spanish scouts, thanks to a late goal by David Friio."
"All in all, it was another successful event, both on and off the pitch and I would like to congratulate Cote d'Ivoire on their success, which is further evidence to back up the Revello's long held belief that one day an African Nation could go on to lift the World Cup.
"Considering the success of the South Americans and Africans during the past two events, I am already looking forward to Toulon 2011 next June!"
|
