Introduction:
It’s difficult for Ivanov to go unnoticed on the field. At 192 cm, he’s the second tallest midfielder in the RFPL. Born in Moscow, Ivanov took his first steps in football at Lokomotiv Moscow. However, shortly after he opted to join Spartak, where he spent almost 10 years. His history is similar to the one that marked Roman Shirokov, as both are physically strong players that have been rejected by Russian top clubs at the beginning of their careers. After Spartak, Ivanov played for Khimki, Kuban and Krylya, where he had the opportunity to grow up and put his skills to test. His solid performances earned him a spot in the Sbornaya squad for the EURO 2008 after Pavel Pogrebnyak had to stay home because of an injury. However, he had to wait until 2015 with the appointment of Fabio Capello to make his debut for the national team. In between his first call-up and his current success at Terek Grozny, he had an unsuccessful stint at Rostov, where he spent part of the time on the reserve team after complaining about missing payments. Since joining the Chechens in 2011, he has experienced the brightest period of his career, turning out to be a class midfielder appreciated by the whole country. It’s no secret that many top Russian clubs, including Spartak and Lokomotiv, are following him, and he seems to have outgrown Grozny.
Strengths and weaknesses:
One mustn’t be mislead by Oleg Ivanov’s physical force, as he’s a technically gifted player. Together with Rybus and Mauricio [before he moved to Zenit], he’s been Terek’s best every game. He’s a midfielder who’s good with boot feet and is able to create problems for any opponent out of nothing. He has excellent football vision, which is underlined by the eight assists he made during the last season, which was third best of all players in the league. He has a tough character and a strong shot. He’s a complete midfielder who may only lack continuity and a decent top speed.
2015/2016 season:
Ivanov is one of the strongest midfielder in the RFPL, and the 2015/16 season underlined that fact. He played 28, provided eight assists, and every time he touched the ball, he shone. He played a major role in the incredible season Terek had until they collapsed in the last third of the season. As soon as Slutsky was appointed head coach of Sbornaya, Ivanov caught his attention, and he was included in the squad for the two friendlies in March against Lithuania and France.
