Introduction:
The right back was called up when it became clear that Oleg Kuzmin, Slutsky’s favourite, wouldn’t be able to play due to an injury. Last time Roman Shishkin played for the national team was in 2015, when he participated in a friendly game against Croatia and made just his tenth appearance for Sbornaya. Shishkin, who was named the best young Russian player in 2006, has been a regular starter at Lokomotiv Moscow since 2010, but has rarely came close to the national team. Euro 2016 will be the first major tournament in his career. This is quite a good achievement, considering that his competitive games for Russia were against Estonia, Armenia and Andorra. The player doesn’t overestimate his inclusion: “Honestly, I didn’t expect that. I missed all training camps and the second part of the season because of injury, coming back only for last three games”. Shishkin associated this call up with the injuries of other players. However, now he is the only back up of Igor Smolnikov. If Zenit’s defender gets an injury or is moved to the left wing, Roman Shishkin will definitely be in the line up.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Roman Shishkin and Dmitry Torbinsky, who were called up as replacements for injured players, have one thing in common besides a past in Spartak Moscow’s youth academy. Both players can cover several positions in the squad. Despite being a right back, Shishkin can successfully play as a central defender or defensive midfielder. He was moved to the midfield in 2014 to help Lokomotiv to cope with massive injuries and Diarra’s suspensions. Sometimes new coaches still make use of it, and that is what Slutsky may be thinking about bearing in mind the lack of options at this position. Lokomotiv’s right wing is often criticised for the lack of activity. It is true that Shishkin won’t add to the team’s creativity, but he can supply your forward with crosses. Just mix him with his teammate Samedov! According to InStat, Roman Shishkin is the number one right back in terms of successful passes into the box (86%). But, of course, Shishkin is more valuable as a defensive player. It won’t be surprising to see him coming on the field for the last 15 minutes to help the team to maintain a lead.
The 2015/2016 season:
Many fans didn’t appreciate Shishkin’s appearence in the final selection, as he played only three games in 2016. One of them was against Zenit, when Shishkin was a central defender together with Taras Mykhalyk, who usually plays as a defensive midfielder. Lokomotiv conceded only one goal from a penalty kick. Slutsky could evaluate his versatility given the problematic lack of competition in defence and his experience. Anyway, Shishkin is still a good defender: InStat ranked him second among all Russian right backs who played this season.
