Euro 08 Beholds A Russian Czar....Andrei Arshavin

I picked the Netherlands as the winners of this summers competition long before their amazing display in the opening group stages. I also felt that they would continue to entertain and dismantle teams as they moved towards the finals. So today when I sat down to watch the match I felt, yes Russia is a sleeper team, but Holland should be able to come out with a positive result. My predictions turned out to be wrong as Russia from the start pushed Holland into a defensive stance with their attacks and eventually stifled masterful midfield players such as Van Deer Vaart and Wesley Sneidger. I also saw an impressive display of a Russian player who wore the number 10 on his jersey. This player had something to do with almost every counter attack the Russians executed. I soon realized he was the player I read that impressed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger so much that he contacted the players club manager about a possible transfer to the Emirates. This player is 27 yr old Andrei Arshavin and he so far is the new found gem and star of Euro 08. Today the World, myself included now know who this player is and I believe that if he does end up in the Premiereship or another top league next season, we could be looking at a future World Player of the year. All one has to do is watch a repeat of the Russia Vs Holland match and look at highlights of his performances for his club to agree with my opinion.

Arshavin to me is a real attacking player. He is multi-dimensional and can play on the wing or upfront. Currently he plays a supporting striker role, a position that Arsenal utilizes Hleb in. What is impressive about this player is he is the whole package. Arshavin is short but stocky and he has great dribbling skills. He is able to use them along with his balance to move around defenders. He also is very intelligent, he chooses his passes or shots on goal depending on the situation. He has an array of shots at his arsenal, he is able to be a poacher in the box as well as a master at long range shots. He is also an effective free kick taker and has scored goals using his head. Arshavin expresses confidence in his play, he is not afraid to take on defenders and even the goal keeper. A number of his goals came from audacious attempts of chipping the ball over the keepers head, kicking the ball out of the keepers hand and even lurking behind the goal and pouncing on an unexpected keeper dropping the ball to kick it. Some of his moves have the flair of household names such as Ronaldo, Henry, Messi and Ronaldinho. He seems to be a player that has the mindset of Henry, one that knows his ability to score and scores but still wants to incorporate his team mates into the play by distributing beautiful passes into the box.

Arshavin currently plays in Russia for Zenit St. Petersburg where he has scored 47 goals in 217 appearances. Last season he started in all 30 matches in the season, scoring 10 goals and distributiing 11 assists while guiding his team to their first league title. It seems that he has decided to use the Euro's as a stage to gain the attention of top flight clubs in Europe. Reports mention that he has expressed a desire to move to a top flight club in England, Arsenal or Chelsea being his favoured choice. He also plays an integral role in the Russian national team. He has made 36 appearances and has scored 13 goals. He was suspended during Russia's first two opening matches in Euro 08 and his presence was deeply missed as Russia was totally dismantled by Spain. His return to the team saw the team winning a place in the knock out stage of the competition. Today the took their success one step further by knocking out Holland to earn a semi final spot and a chance to win the competition. Arshavin has scored two goals in the competition already and has played an integral role in the setting up of the other goals. His relentless movement and precise passing have left defenders and goal keepers alike in awe as the ball passed through the goal. I am really hoping this player becomes an Arsenal member and graces the premiereship with his awe inspiring skills.