Russian Squad Euro 2008

It’s been a while and I just wanted to share my thoughts on Hiddink’s 23 man Russia squad.

Goalkeepers
To start off from the the back, I think the selection of Vyacheslav Malafeev and Vladimir Gaboulov is expected. They are both fit for their clubs and I think Gaboulov will improve upon joining Dynamo Moskva. Malafeev has proven himself after Zenit’s UEFA Cup campaign.

I am concerned about Igor Akinfeev. Watching him play for CSKA Moskva, his form is questionable. He conceded too many goals and his particular weakness are one-on-one situations in which he was unbeatable at before his injury in 2007. He did however inpress against Kazakhstan and Serbia. I think that if Hiddink wants Akinfeev in the squad, he should deputize for Malafeev and Gaboulov.

Defenders
Hiddinks defensive lineup is as I expected. The strong back line is anchored by Sergei Ignashevich and the Berezutsky twins. I was satisfied with Hiddinks selection of Aleksandr Anyukov and Denis Kolodin. Anyukov is a good wing back and Kolodin is solid in central defence who can cover for Igashevich. In addition I think that Roman Shirokov is also a good central defender or defensive midfielder. I think the one advantage Hiddink has with Anykov and Shirokov is both can be utilized as midfielders or defenders. I don’t know much about Renat Yanbayev other than he is a starting left defender for Lokomotiv Moskva.

Midfielders
Like I wrote in my previous article, Hiddink is using the midfielders from qualifier squads with the exception of Sergei Semak. I am pretty surprised at his selection as his last cap for Russia was against Spain on May 27, 2006. But he is in good form for Rubin Kazan as they are at the top of the table in the Russian Premier League (RPL). I am also a bit surprised that Marat Izmailov was omitted given his form for Sporting Clube de Portugal. I think he is quite impressive especially with his long range goals. I think that the other players selected is as expected.

Strikers
I was sure Aleksandr Kerzhakov secured his place in the squad after returning to Russia to join Dynamo Moskva. He scored two goals in nine apearences and gives numerous assists to Dynamo’s other strikers. However since Hiddink is an experieced manager I trust him in Kerzhakov’s omission. Kerzhakov does have a chance to be included if Pogrebnyak withdraws after injury against Serbia. The other strikers are as usual with the exception fo Roman Adamov. Adamov has been one of the leading goal scorers of the RPL and has been helping FC Moskva in the RPL.

I am also glad to see the selection of Ivan Saenko as he is terrific at crossing from the midfield for the strikers.

I’ve shared my thoughs on Hiddink’s 23 man squad and I’d like to hear from you.