Yuri Zhirkov: The ‘Russian Ronaldinho’ Chased by Chelsea & Perfect for Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle, Everton & Sunderland
Arguably the best left-back at Euro 2008 was Russia’s outstanding Yuri Zhirkov this summer. The CSKA Moscow star was in sensational form as the Russians stormed into the semi-finals on the back of a 3-1 win over the Dutch. Despite the loss to Spain a number of ther players have impressed during the tournament though it’s Andrei Arshavin who’s received most of the plaudits and was heavily linked to Stamford Bridge. However, former Head Coach Avram Grant let slip a few weeks ago on Israeli TV that’s it not the Russian Captain Chelsea are targeting but his team-mate Zhirkov.
A number of Premier League clubs are in need of a new left-sided player and a player of Zhirkov’s class would be an excellent acquisition especially as he is adept at playing as a full-back, wing-back or as for his club side an out and out winger.
The 24-year-old has demonstrated his ability to both attack and defend in equal measure. Though it’s his forward foray’s that were most impressive at Euro 2008. He linked brilliantly on the left with his Captain Arshavin and repeatedly got to the byline either by beating a defender through incise one touch passing or via his own pace and dribbling ability.
The talented star can play anyway on the left and but is most often used as an attacking winger for his club side. He has been dubbed ‘the Russian Ronaldinho’ in his homeland and has demonstrated his full repertoire of talents in Austria and Switzerland. Even in the 4-1 opening match defeat to Spain, Zhirkov gave Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos a hard time in the opening exchanges.
He’s currently in his 5th season in the CSKA first team and has racked up 113 League appearances and scored 11 goals. He was part of the team that achieved Uefa Cup success in 2005 with a 3-1 final win over Sporting Lisbon in their home city. Zhirkov himself scored the 2nd goal in that match. He’s also won 2 Russian League titles as well as 3 Russian Cups so he’s used to winning silverware.
The player would not come cheap with the Russian League now full of wealth but as in the case of Arshavin a move to one of the stronger Western Leagues may be hard to resist. There are a number of clubs on the hunt for left-sided players and a player that is versatile enough to play anywhere on the left-flank should surely be a target for most Premier League clubs.
Chelsea are crying out for more attacking width and will Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge at the club, Zhirkov would surely play in an advanced role if he were to join. However, title rivals Arsenal, United and Liverpool are all being linked with wingers so don’t be surprised if they make their move. After all, United may well need to bring in reinforcements if Cristiano Ronaldo is allowed to leave the club this summer.
Liverpool are being linked with Boro’s Stewart Downing at the moment but both players would probably cost a similar transfer fee and Zhirkov’s added pace and experience marks him out as a better prospect. The Gunners may still lose Alexander Hleb to Barca so don’t be surprised if Wenger is targeting Zhirkov rather than Arshavin this summer. Then there’s the likes of Spurs, Newcastle and Sunderland who could all use a player of this class.
So have you been impressed by the full-back come winger? Do you think he has what it takes to be a success in England and more importantly do you think your club would be able to sign him? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Aston Vila, Boro, CSKA Moscow, Euro 2008, Everton, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Russia, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Ham, Yuri Zhirkov
