---
title: "Männilaan delighted by first Estonia call after strong start with Nõmme Kalju"
date: 2026-03-22T07:22:07Z
lang: en
author: "Ivo"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/mannilaan-delighted-by-first-estonia-call-after-strong-start-with-nomme-kalju/
categories: ["Premium liiga"]
---

# Männilaan delighted by first Estonia call after strong start with Nõmme Kalju
Speaking to Soccernet after the 4-0 win over Kuressaare, Nõmme Kalju striker Mattias Männilaan said he was pleased to receive his first senior Estonia call-up after making a strong start to the new Premium liiga season.

Männilaan heads into international duty in good spirits after helping Kalju to a 4-0 win over Kuressaare in their latest league match. The former Kuressaare player opened the scoring, turning in a driven pass from winter signing Bogdan Vaštšuk for his first goal of the campaign. Following this win, Kalju are now the only top tier side in the Baltics yet to concede a single goal during the 2026 campaign.

“_Bogdan has shown straight away how strong he is on the ball_,” Männilaan said. “_I knew that if he found space to use his foot there, I had to be ready. It was a powerful ball and I managed to be in the right place_.”

Although the final margin was comfortable, Männilaan said Kuressaare provided stubborn opposition. He felt the early opener, which arrived in the 19th minute, was important before Kalju added a second from a well-worked corner routine.

“_Kuressaare do not give you anything easily_,” he said. “_We were happy that the first goal came quickly. At the start they moved the ball well and created situations around our box, but I do not really remember them getting away a shot. We managed to impose our game_.”

For Männilaan, the call-up comes at a moment when he believes his form is in a very good place and capable of producing more.

Source: [soccernet.ee](https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/esimesel-korral-kohe-varavat-looma-mannilaan-mul-on-vaga-hea-meel-et-see-kutse-just-nuud-tuli)