Position-by-Position Analysis: Who Stood Out for Armenia U21 Against Cyprus

On June 3, a friendly match between the Armenia and Cyprus U21 national teams took place in Yerevan and ended in a 1–1 draw.

Armenia U21 Player Analysis:

AVERAGE:
Gor Matinyan (Urartu) — goalkeeper, 90 minutes
Conceded from the only shot on target, but his responsibility was more indirect — he should have communicated with his teammate, though the main error was on the defender. His footwork is a strong suit and a valuable asset in building attacks.

POSITIVE:
Mark Gevorgyan (Hannover) — right-back, 84 minutes
Despite a long absence due to injury, his quality was immediately evident. Still lacking his previous speed, but played with technical confidence both in defense and attack. His main weapon is his offensive contribution — smart passes and intelligent movement. Took part in the goal-scoring attack with a brilliant pass to his brother, Mike.

POSITIVE:
Petik Manukyan (BKMA) — center-back, 90 minutes
It’s clear why he has already been called up to the senior national team twice. Strong in duels and, more importantly, confidently initiates attacks and progresses the ball through dribbling.

POSITIVE:
Andranik Hakobyan (Alavés) — center-back, 84 minutes
Although he spent a year sidelined with injury, his physical condition has clearly improved. Played reliably, anticipated well, and also started attacks decently. His partnership with Petik looked promising.

POSITIVE:
Poghos Krmzyan (Syunik) — left-back, 84 minutes
Not a classic full-back, but started to balance Gevorgyan’s runs on the right. A product of Lokomotiv Moscow’s academy, he won all his duels and showed good pace over distance. Not as comfortable on the ball as Petik or Andranik, but fulfilled his role very well. Clearly more at ease playing as a center-back.

POSITIVE:
Karlen Hovhannisyan & Hamlet Sargsyan (both BKMA) — holding midfielders, 73 minutes each
Demonstrated understanding and technical skill. Karlen was slightly more solid defensively and made accurate long passes. Hamlet stood out with several delicate, creative passes. Hard to fully assess their defensive contribution since Cyprus rarely attacked through the center.

AVERAGE:
Misak Hakobyan (BKMA) — left winger, 90 minutes
The most experienced player and captain of the team. Tried to take on leadership responsibilities. Struggled in the first half despite being active. Attempted a few dribbles without success. Delivered two quality crosses. In the second half, he played more in combination, and after moving into a forward role, produced the team’s first shot on target and earned the corner that led to the goal. Clearly versatile and talented but still adapting to his new role.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS:
Levon Bashoyan (BKMA) — playmaker, 73 minutes
Failed to perform effectively in the central role. Looked more precise when playing on the flank. Has good vision and passing ability but struggled under pressure from the opposing midfielders and defenders.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS:
Vyacheslav Afyan (BKMA) — right winger, 84 minutes
Unlike Misak, he had support from Gevorgyan but couldn’t make use of it. Rarely cut inside or added attacking sharpness.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS:
Edik Vardanyan (BKMA) — forward, 73 minutes
Put in effort but to no avail. Very emotional. The fact that he has more red cards than goals this season is telling. Has good physical attributes but needs to be more disciplined and channel his energy into movement and pressing.

Substitutes:

POSITIVE:
Mike Gevorgyan (1860 Munich), 73rd minute
Definitely boosted the team’s play. Played in several positions and was effective in all. Provided the assist for the goal.

POSITIVE:
Yervand Sukiasyan (St. Pölten), 73rd minute
Came on highly motivated. Could’ve assisted Misak, but instead scored himself in the next attack. Had two more shots. A very energetic performance.

André Philibbosian, Michel Ayvazyan — difficult to assess. Came on in the 73rd minute and played in defensive midfield.

Artur Askaryan, Alesha Khachatryan, Suren Tsarukyan, Armen Sargsyan — came on too late. Unfortunately, the latter lost his duel in the moment that led to Cyprus’s equalizer.