With 33 days until the big kick-off in the 2018 World Cup, we begin a series looking at the 32 competing nations, focusing on a star man and one to watch from each, starting with the hosts.
As with any host nation, it’s always difficult to assess the exact shape that the team is in with regards to their preparations for a major tournament, but all things considered the signs aren’t positive for Russia.
The favourable nature of their group draw is a massive help, of course, but former international goalkeeper Stanislav Cherchesov hasn’t had it easy in his first two years in charge.
The former Spartak and Dynamo Moscow boss has already named his initial 28-man squad for the tournament, and he is without a number of players through injury.
Most notable among them is Aleksandr Kokorin, while the coach has had to move on from former veteran defenders Sergei Ignashevich and the Berezutskiy twins among others.
Fedor Smolov is the top scorer in the ranks with a modest 12 international goals and difficult to look past when it comes to the key men for the hosts.
It takes increasingly little to be crowned top scorer in the Russian Premier League, but it’s an individual award that the striker is still hoping to pick up for an impressive third year running. Currently one behind Quincy Promes on 14, Smolov’s tally has come from just 20 starts for FC Krasnodar, registering a further five assists for a team high WhoScored.com rating of 7.38.
Having been a bit part player for much of his early career, the 28-year-old’s finishing has been very impressive since transferring to his current club in 2015, scoring 52 league goals in 72 appearances and he will hope to put some modest group opposition to the sword this summer.
Elsewhere the Miranchuk twins have taken over the sibling status from the aforementioned Berezutskiy’s, though the 22-year-olds - and Aleksei in particular - offer hope from an attacking perspective by comparison, and will be keen to make their mark.
However, the one to watch and the greatest young talent at Russia’s disposal is undoubtedly Aleksandr Golovin.
At 21 the playmaker was on the scene at the Euros two years ago, though he will be hoping to turn in stronger performances this time around. Now very much a key player and first team regular for CSKA Moscow, the midfielder has developed his game and is the one man for the hosts that may well be playing for a move to one of Europe’s major leagues.
The youngster showed his technical ability with a stunning free-kick at the Emirates against Arsenal last month and has chipped in with seven goals and four assists across the league and European competitions this season. A more elegant player than the majority that have turned out for this summer’s hosts in many years, Golovin stands out from the crowd in his homeland.
A WhoScored.com rating of 7.27 is streaks ahead of the remaining players aged 21 and under in Russia’s top-flight, not only highlighting his own ability but a dearth of options coming through for a side that will be tipped to emerge from the group stages but could be in for a shock.
