Who is Alan Dzagoev-next Arshavin

Spurs and Liverpool went absolutely mad for this kid. We are talking about the lad, who is thought to be the most talented Russian player ever since the Soviet Union collapsed, while Russian football experts tend to dismiss comparisons to Andrei Arshavin, because they see Alan Dzagoev as much more talented player.

Roman Abramovich has already tested CSKA’s resolve with €15-million offer for the ‘New Russian tsar’, as Dzagoev is affectionately called. He can play as a second striker or attacking midfielder, while excellent dribbling skills and free-kicks are his specialties.

He became a first team regular at CSKA Moscow at 18, while he scored eight goals last season. New boss Zico has been blown away by his talent and the Brazilian states that Dzagoev differentiate from most Russian players. He is taller and stronger than Arshavin but is as agile as the Arsenal player.

Dzagoev comes from Beslan, where he was born in 1990. This town from South Ossetia became famous for the Beslan school massacre, when Chechnyan terrorists killed more than 300 people.

Dzagoev’s talent was recognized at the age of 10, when he made a switch to Junost, the club in which he went through the youth ranks. His next step was Krylya Sovetov, where he started his professional career, making a debut in Russian second division at 16.

After just one year, big Russian clubs came calling and Valery Gazzaev brought him to CSKA. Not only did he start his first match after just two months in Moscow but he also scored a goal on his debut.

In the last two years, he has played on the wing and as a playmaker, because he has a great eye for the pass and is in excellent physical condition. He can play on a number of positions in the team but playing just behind strikers is his favourite. This is where he is a big threat for the opponents with his accurate shots and direct play.

Dzagoev has already played for Russia national team three times, against Germany, Finland and Azerbaijan.

Hiddink feels that the boy has potential for big things and the Dutch coach has already stated Premiership suited Dzagoev’s style of play as his sturdy built can help him adapt to the physical side of the game.

Chelsea remain favourites to lure Dzagoev to Stamford Bridge but they will have to be wary of Tottenham and Liverpool, who will try to ruin their plans.

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