World Cup 2014: Russia – Key Players

Vasili Berezutskiy
Age	31
Club	CSKA Moscow
Position	Defender
Int. Caps	77
Int. Goals	3

 

Under Fabio Capello, Russia have become a strong defensive outfit and arguably the most integral part in the Russian side’s defence is Vasili Berezutskiy.

The defender is a vastly experienced player, who has been at the international scene for a very long time and his impressive defensive qualities are absolutely vital for Russia.

A long serving player for CSKA Moscow, Berezutskiy helped his side to the league title this season and will surely be hoping to cap off the campaign on a good note with the Russian national team as well.

Igor Akinfeev
Age	28
Club	CSKA Moscow
Position	Goalkeeper
Int. Caps	67
Int. Goals	0

 

It is no secret that Russia’s recent revival has been built upon a strong foundation at the back and the man who has been largely credited for the European side’s fine record is goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Having made his debut for the Russian national team aged just 18, Akinfeev has since established himself as the undisputed number one choice between the sticks. A product of the CSKA Moscow youth system, the goalkeeper helped his beloved side the title this season.

Akinfeev is a brilliant shot stopper who transmits confidence into his defenders. Now 28, Akinfeev would certainly want to guide his national team to unprecedented success in Brazil this summer.

Alan Dzagoev
Age	23
Club	CSKA Moscow
Position	Midfielder
Int. Caps	30
Int. Goals	8

 

In a solid if unspectacular Russian side, midfielder Alan Dzagoev is the player who provides that bit of flair and quality in attack.

The young man announced himself to the world with his brilliant performances during the European Championships back in 2012 and while he has not progressed as well as many would have anticipated, there is no doubting that the 23-year old is one of the finest players Russia possess at the moment.

A wonderful playmaker who can link up the play brilliantly as well as score his fair share of goals, Dzagoev will surely be an important part for the Russian side in Brazil.

World Cup Key Players –

Group A – Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B –  Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C – Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Group D – Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E – Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F – Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran,  Nigeria

Group G – Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States

Group H – Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea