It was a great year for Russian football with the national team proving themselves as one of the best teams in Europe during Euro 2008.
Our scouts in Russia have picked the best XI from the past season in Russia:
Goalkeeper: Sergei Narubin (Amkar Perm, 27). A great goalkeeper, who was born and grew up in Moscow, but spent most of his career in the lower divisions. Became Amkar’s number one after Vladimir Gabulov was transferred to Dinamo Moscow and swiftly become one of the best keepers in the league. He has good aerial ability, shot stopping and excellent reflexes. Played 21 matches for Amkar Perm who had the defensive record in the league, conceding just 22 goals.
Right defender: Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan, 22). Ansaldi is a fast player on either flank and can play as a winger if needed. He has excellent technical ability and great crossing as well as passing ability. He is an attacking minded defender who likes to support the attack, but is also very tough in defence. He is still young and if he continues to progress, then he is a hot prospect for some of the top European leagues. Ansaldi was one of Rubin Kazan’s main players in the 2008 championship.
Left defender: Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow, 25). A very talented left winger with great skills and one of the best players in the Russian premier league. Guus Hiddink used him as a left back during Euro 2008 and he was chosen in the team of the tournament by UEFA. Fast and strong with great technical skills. In 2008, he played 34 matches, scored four goals and provided five assists.
Central defender: Aleksei Popov (Amkar Perm/Rubin Kazan, 30). A very solid and tough central defender with great strength, height and very good aerial ability. He is a little slow which is his main weakness, but he is for sure one of the Russian Premier League’s best central defenders. In season 2008 he played 18 matches for Amkar (who finished 4th) before he moved to champions Rubin where he played seven crucial matches which secured the title.
Central defender: Denis Kolodin (Dinamo Moscow, 26). A multi talented central defender with great shots and very good passing. Kolodin is a tough and clever defender who is very tall and strong. He was called up to the Russian national team for Euro 2008. He is also the penalty and free-kick taker for his club. Kolodin is a great defender who can play for a top European club , if he can improve his positioning and technical ability.
Defensive midfielder: Anatoliy Tymoschuk (Zenit St. Petersburg, 29). Tymoschuk is a leader of the Ukrainian national team, the best defensive midfielder in the Russian Premier League and considered one of the top 10 defensive midfielders across the world. A brilliant player. He helped Zenit to win their first national title in 23 years and the 2008 UEFA Cup as well. Capable of moving all across the pitch, he has great positioning, but can struggle with his passing. Does very well in keeping the ball and winning it from the opposition. During season 2008 he played 34 matches for Zenit, scoring six goals and providing one assist. Bayern Munich are very interested in signing him.
Central midfielder: Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow, 18). Dzagoev is a fantastic midfielder that despite his young age already possesses a high level of technique and pace as well as good physical strength. He is a true playmaker and a great prospect for the future. In season 2008 he played a lot of games in a squad full of “star players” due to his immense talent and played superbly. Has already played for the Russian national team. In 2008 he played 26 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.
Attacking midfielder right: Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow, 24). A huge talent. Able to play in almost every position in the midfield but at his best when playing on the right flank. Extremely fast with wonderful technique and great strength as well as excellent pace. A multi-talented player who can be a top player in a major European league – Real Madrid recently enquired about Krasic.
Attacking midfielder centre: Danny (Zenit St. Petersburg, 25). The best player in the Russian Premier League today. Has great passing and phenomenal technique as well as great pace and shooting. Had a 30 million euro release clause in his contract with Dinamo and used it to move to Zenit, a true talent and a fantastic player. In season 2008 he played for Dinamo and Zenit, altogether in 35 matches, he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists, the best personal record in the league during that season.
Attacking midfielder left: Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St. Petersburg, 27). A great player with tons of talent, And one of the Russian Premier League’s greatest players and stars. Excellent Dribbling and creativity, great pace, and he is ready to strike at any time. He can often be the player to determine the game with just a few brilliant moves. Is angling for a move and will surely leave the club in January.
Striker: Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow, 24). An excellent striker with great ability. A prolific striker with great dribbling, shooting and finishing, a true goal scorer. He is not afraid of taking on defenders, despite his short height and low weight. Can be a star in any European league. The top goal scorer in the Russian Premier League season in 2008 with 20 goals.
For those players to miss out on the above team, we have also added a reserve team:
Goalkeeper: Sergei Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan)
Right defender: Aleksandr Anyukov (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Left defender: Radek Sirl (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Central defender: Rodolfo (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Central defender: Leandro Fernandez (Dinamo Moscow)
Central midfielder: Igor Semshov (Dinamo Moscow/Zenit St. Petersburg)
Central midfielder: Konstantin Zyryanov (CSKA Moscow)
Attacking midfielder left: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Attacking midfielder right: Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Attacking midfielder centre: Karadeniz Gokdeniz (Rubin Kazan)
Striker: Marko Topic (Saturn)