by Frank Marr
The champions of Latvia and arguably the most successful team in the Baltics right now — RFS — still sit atop of the Virslīga but the two recent defeats – first against local underdogs Metta and now arch-rivals Riga FC – have exposed some worrying cracks in their setup.
Whether it is just a Europa League hangover, injuries (including key player Jānis Ikaunieks), a typical season start for the team or deeper problems with squad renewal still remains to be seen. What is clear is that RFS have looked sluggish in patches of their game — struggling through first halves against the likes of Jelgava, Liepaja, and Metta before finally waking up in the final stages. It is a risky way to go about defending the title.
Missing Pieces
It seems key departures haven’t quite been replaced yet. Adam Markhiev gave them legs, energy, and control across the pitch — winning tackles, driving forward, switching play and had a potent attacking pass. His replacement, Yukiyoshi Karashima from FK Žalgiris, has struggled to adapt to the team’s system, along with the Virsliga’s tempo and physicality.
Attacking options with the loss of Emerson — sometimes lazy but always a threat with pace and power — are left with a hole. His replacements, Mor Talla and Jérémie Porsan-Clémenté, are quality players to be sure, but right now they are neither scaring defenders nor showing flashes of brilliance the way that Emerson did on the regular.
RFS are still scoring much and conceding few at a decent rate, but for a club that built a reputation in Europe for punching above their weight against some serious opposition, the current level feels off. Compared to their major rivals Riga FC, it seems that the darker blue side of Riga has a lot of work to do to reinforce their identity and to sharpen up if they want to stay on top for the third year running.
Riga FC, who just beat RFS at the LNK Sporta Parks, are, on the other hand, coming together nicely. While they had problems turning possession into goals they do have the league’s most stacked strikeforce. Regža is a natural finisher. Taiwo showed flashes of real quality in European conference league qualifiers last season. Brazilian Reginaldo Ramires, brings energy and skill up front, even if his finishing in the big games sometimes lets him down. And the Costa Rican Contreras is a beast at holding up play and winning aerial battles. Add to that a defence comfortable on the ball and a clear, structured game plan from their manager, and for the first time in a few years, Riga FC look like genuine champions in the making. Having reclaimed valuable 3 points from RFS, they still will need to prove their quality on the European stage and it is still early in the season.
No Easy Games This Season
The good news? The Virsliga itself is competitive — maybe more so than ever.
FK Auda, under Jurgis Kalns, are quietly becoming a real threat again. Kalns, who already has a title under his belt, has rebuilt a side that plays with pace from midfield to attack but stays solid at the back. On their day, they can beat anyone in the Baltics. FK Auda still have a lot to prove, with some shaky displays at the start of the season.
Plenty More Contenders
It’s not just an easy race for the top five teams either. Jelgava have made smart signings from the Czech leagues and found some exciting young attackers. Daugavpils are playing their most structured and consistent football in years (so far). And Metta, long the league’s youthful underdogs, are suddenly a team that can rip a defence apart on their day with fearless counter-attacking football.
Bottom line?
There are no walkovers anymore. As for RFS, the hard work of staying top has only just begun.