Malta Under-21 National Team Coach Davide Mazzotta has underlined the importance of international exposure, insisting that friendlies such as Thursday’s match against Moldova can play a key role in the players’ long-term progression.
Malta U21s face Moldova on Thursday, 4th June, at the Municipality Stadium in Orhei. Kick-off is at 18:00 CET and the match will be broadcast live on TVMSport+.
Mazzotta has named a 22-man squad for the fixture, including several new faces, while a number of players are unavailable through injury.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mazzotta expressed confidence in the players available to him, while noting that the fixture also presents an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess several members of the squad.
“Given that this is a friendly, it allows me and my team to observe some younger talents who have distinguished themselves with their clubs and who we consider suited to our philosophy,” he remarked.
“Such friendlies are fundamental for the players’ development and also for the staff’s better understanding of the team and each player’s potential,” Mazzotta added.
He reaffirmed that the team will require as many international matches as possible, with these allowing them to compete against strong sides.
“This match is as important as all the previous ones and we treat a friendly with the same seriousness and importance as a competitive match. While it is still too early to fully assess the impact that this will have on our competitive matches in September, particularly given that we will not be training together throughout the summer period, I am confident that the experience will provide valuable development opportunities,” he continued.
Mazzotta added that along with the coaching staff, the team will make every effort to maximise the benefits gained and ensure that they translate into improved performances when the team reconvenes.
“We have worked hard on the fundamentals in this window probably more than ever before in the hope that they would enter into the players’ DNA,” he stated.
“Such international friendlies have the potential to make a significant contribution to the team’s long-term development, particularly if exposure to this level of competition is maintained on a regular and consistent basis. Continued participation in international matches will help accelerate player development,” Mazzotta added.
Mazzotta acknowledged that injuries and the limited time available with players can affect the team’s progress, but stressed that the continued support of the Malta FA and the clubs remains invaluable.
Goalkeepers
Liam Frendo (Valletta FC), Karl Sargent (Gzira United)
Defenders
Nathan Cross (Birkirkara FC), Shelom Magri (Birkirkara FC), Ivin Farrugia (Mgarr United), Benjamin Hili (Swieqi United), Nikita Shchepetkin (US Livorno – ITA), Jake Vassallo (Mosta FC), Matteo Gambin (Fgura United), Sven Xerri (Hamrun Spartans FC)
Midfielders
Andrew Borg (Gzira United), Brooklyn Borg (Gzira United), Lucas Okeke (Swieqi United), Bjorn Buhagiar (Gudja United), Trezeguet Zammit (Sirens FC), Kaiden Fenech (Birkirkara FC)
Forwards
Shaisen Attard (Hamrun Spartans FC), Nicholas Agius (Zabbar St Patrick FC), Kai Bartolo (Amersham Town FC – ENG), Alfie Bridgman (Moneyfields FC – ENG), Sean Gatt (Santa Lucia FC), Aston Ellard (Barnsley FC – ENG)