Russian Premier League Team Of The Year 2009

Goalkeeper

Sergei Ryzhikov (Rubin) – The former Lokomotiv Moscow ‘keeper had another fine season in between the sticks, although playing in front of the tightest defence in the league certainly helped.  Conceded just 21 goals in the 29 matches, Ryzhikov’s excellent form brought him to the attention of the Russian national team. Whether he enjoys enough profile to dislodge the ever-present Igor Akinfeev, who by contrast had a somewhat intermittent season, remains to be seen, but the 29-year-old continues to be well appreciated in Kazan.

Defenders

Aleksandr Anyukov (Zenit) – The attacking right full-back had by no means his best season for Zenit, but rediscovered his form as the entire side improved in the second half of the season under Antaloli Davydov. With a number of the Zenit side that won the UEFA Cup at the end of the 2007/08 season now plying their trade in Western Europe, will Anyukov be the next to leave the Petrovsky?

Cesar Navas (Rubin) – The former Real Madrid centre-back must be making his former employers wish they’d never gotten rid of him back in 2003 after four seasons at the Bernabeu without making an appearance.  Navas led a somewhat nomadic existence before arriving in Russia at the beginning of the season, but has slotted in perfectly to the Rubin defence, showing himself to be an excellent tackler and marker and outstanding in the air. He has yet to make a senior debut for the Spain team, but he could be an outside contender for a place in the World Cup squad if he keeps up this form.

Alexandru Epureanu (FC Moscow) – The young outfit may enjoy something of the status of Wimbledon back in the 1980’s and 1990’s in England, but the club, who play their football on the outskirts of the capital, are beginning to establish themselves in the league. Epureanu was arguably their best player over the course of the 2009 season at the heart of one of the tighter defences, and chipped in with a couple of goals. The Moldovan international could well be a name in several scouts’ notebooks, and at 23 yeas old, still has time to develop further.

Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin) – The left-back enjoyed an outstanding season playing his role in forming the toughest defence of the league, as well as raiding forward to help support the attack. The former Newell’s old Boys full-back has since been capped at full international level by Argentina for the recent friendly against Spain, and could be the solution to what has been a troublesome position for Maradona to fill.  One of a number of Rubin players, who is being eyed by teams from La Liga, a move westwards would come as no surprise.

Midfielders

Christian Noboa (Rubin) – The first ever Ecuadorian to play in the Russian Premier League has certainly lived up to his potential following his arrival before the season started, from screening the defence and impressing with a sensible range of passing. Noboa earned full senior caps for Ecuador thanks to his performances in helping Rubin to their second title, and although he won’t be at the World Cup next summer, he has the potential to play a considerable part as Ecuador look to build for the Copa America in 2011.

Alex (Spartak Moscow) – The former Guarani and Internacional midfielder has enjoyed a magnificent season in the Spartak midfield playing either in a deeper role or just behind the front-line. With 12 goals in 28 appearances, including several as Spartak threatened to reel in Rubin in the final weeks of the season, Alex has been arguably the most influential new player in the league. With potentially several Western European clubs already weighing up a move, Spartak may face a fight to hang onto him for the 2010 season. 

Alain Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow) – Arguably Russia’s brightest talent to emerge in years, the Beslan-born schemer looks to have a bright future ahead of him.  At just 19 years old, Dzagoev is already part of the first team for the Armymen, and his good form has been a bright note for fans of CSKA in what has been a disappointing season. With seven goals in 25 appearances, as well as a goal in the Champions League at Old Trafford against Manchester United, Dzagoev’s development will be closely monitored by much of Europe’s elite.

Strikers

Welliton (Spartak Moscow) – The former Goias striker has became only the second forward in recent seasons to break the 20-goal mark in one season, after compatriot Wagner Love managed it in 2008. However, fans will be hoping that his feat won’t be an ill-portent, as the forward nicknamed the Love Machine has struggled with form and personal issues. Welliton looks to be a more complete forward than Wagner Love, not only quick across the ground but brave enough to go in with his head despite standing at not more than 1.75 metres.  Whilst Welliton’s 21 goals were enough to make him the league top-scorer, they weren’t quite enough to prevent Rubin claiming the Championship, but if Spartak can keep the 23-year-old in peak form for next season, they could well be serious contenders.

Aleksandr Bukharov (Rubin Kazan) – Whilst Rubin undoubtedly have a reputation for being defensively sound, Bukharov’s goals (16 in total) were also a key part in their Championship success. After a promising 2008 which brought six goals in 20 league games, this season has been the 23-year-old’s breakthrough, with 16 goals in just 21 appearances. Good in the air, but also deft of touch, as illustrated by his magnificent dipping volley from 30 metres against CSKA Moscow towards the end of the season, Bukharov is arguably the most complete striker in the Russian league currently. 

Alejandro Dominguez (Rubin Kazan) – A major part of the Rubin success, Dominguez has struck up an excellent relationship with Bukharov in a front three, which also contains Karadeniz. Like Bukharov with 16 goals as well for the season, Dominguez is the creative element in the Rubin team, capable of creating opportunities with his wonderful technique and ability to control the ball.  His contract is up at the end of the year, and has already stated his intention to secure new employment in either Italy or Spain. Whoever succeeds in persuading him, his future lies with them and they will have signed both a natural creator and a goalscorer. 

Walter Townsend, Goal.com