The RPL is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most developing leagues, featuring an increasing crop of star-names and eye-catching transfers. But Russia’s big clubs have always been famed for their ability to produce talent from within, so here is our guide to the RPL’s hottest talent.
Pavel Yakovlev (SPARTAK MOSCOW), 18, Left-Wing/Striker
He only debuted last season but the excellent natural technical ability of this left winger/striker saw him fast tracked through the famed Spartak youth set-up and into Valery Karpin’s first team squad. His pace and desire to take players on, coupled with a useful cross, have imbued the Meat with a real element of dynamic excitement.
Zhano Ananidze (SPARTAK MOSCOW), 17, Attacking Midfield/Left-Wing
Like Yakovlev, this diminutive attacking midfielder was fast-tracked from the Spartak youth team last term and after scoring on his debut has not looked back. Also left-sided, swift with the ball and very technical, the diminutive Zhano has often eclipsed his young colleague and became the youngest ever player (17 years and eight days) to score in the RPL, against rivals Lokomotiv. He made his international debut at just 16 and though eligible to represent Russia he chose his native Georgia, stirred with extra national pride during the Russia-Georgia war of 2008. And it’s certainly his host nation’s loss – Liverpool and Arsenal have already, reportedly, been sniffing around.
Alan Dzagoev (CSKA), 20, Attacking Midfield
A proud North Ossetian, Dzagoev went to School Number One in Beslan where Chechen militants staged the tragic hostage crisis in 2004 – but fate had it that Dzagoev was absent that day. He has gone on to emerge, simply, as Russia’s brightest prospect for years. He broke into the first team back in 2008 where he styles his play on his role model, Frank Lampard. He is doing a mean impersonation, already winning five senior Russia caps and is a veteran of this season’s Champions League campaign that saw him hit a stunning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Real Madrid are said to be monitoring his progress
Georgi Schennikov (CSKA), 18, Left-back
When the Army Men lost Yury Zhirkov to Chelsea last season, many wondered whether CSKA could replace him; in Schennikov, they have a player in a very similar mould. Though still a little naïve defensively (as demonstrated in the first leg of CSKA’s Champions League last 16 tie against Sevilla), Schennikov’s undoubted strength is his ability to raid down the flank, creating swift attacking opportunities.
Pavel Mamaev (CSKA), 21, Central Midfield
Short, stocky, shaven-headed – he already looks the part of a midfield general in the making. Loves a tackle but also likes the ball, Mamaev will need to develop his reading of the game but is clearly passionate and tenacious enough to make waves in his position.
Alexander Ryazantsev (RUBIN), 23, Winger
Has been making an impression with the rise and rise of Rubin Kazan over the past two seasons, where manager Kurban Berdyev has made use of Ryazantsev’s fleet-footedness and ability to play down either wing with ease. Recently came to worldwide attention by scoring a wonder goal in the Nou Camp to help his team to an historic 2-1 victory over reigning European champions Barcelona and was linked with Everton during the January transfer window.
Guilherme (CSKA – on loan from Dynamo Kiev), 21, Striker
Arrived last season as a result of Kiev re-signing Andriy Shevchenko and promptly netted twice on his RPL debut. Indeed, he scored a hat-trick on his Kiev debut, the type of form CSKA fans will hope he continues into the new term as his year-long deal is up come August. Likes to drop deep to utilise his strong passing and has a lethal eye for goal when in and around the box.
Sam Parker introduced the rising stars of La Liga. How do they compare with this flock of fledglings from the Russian Premier league?