Introduction:
With 117 appearances, Sergey Ignashevich is the most-capped player in the history of the Russian national team. Ignashevich is a top defender and has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at CSKA Moscow, also playing in three major tournaments for Russia.
The towering centre back began his career at Spartak Orekhovo and then moved to Krylia Sovetov, before his career took off in the red and green of Lokomotiv Moscow. In 2002, he won the Russian Premier League title with Lokomotiv and, after 114 appearances, made the move across Moscow to CSKA in 2004. Five league titles, six Russian Cups and an UEFA Cup suggest that Ignashevich made a well-informed decision to venture across the capital.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Ignashevich is one of the best Russian defenders of his generation. Expected to compete with the Berezutski brothers for a place as starting centre back, Ignashevich’s experience and dressing room presence will be invaluable.
Turning 37 in July, Ignashevich must rely on his great positioning and anticipation to thwart the opposition attack. Faced with an aerial duel, the defender is unlikely to come out second best and his physicality could prove to be extremely useful for Leonid Slutsky. Lacking real attacking flair, Russia may have to be content with soaking up pressure and aim to capitalise from set pieces; Ignashevich is not unfamiliar with scoring goals. The defender is also comfortable with bringing the ball from defence and setting up attacks, a quality that is most welcome at the top level.
For all of the advantages which Russia’s most experienced player brings, his inclusion in the starting line-up could prove to be their downfall. There is a real danger that time has caught up with him and his lack of pace and mobility could be brutally exposed by Europe’s top sides and England. Slutsky will need to ensure that he is well-protected, especially against pace. His experience of playing for years with the Berezutski brothers gives the option of playing three centre-backs; something which Slutsky will surely consider if his side need to see a game out.
The 2015/16 season:
On the whole, this season has been a success for Sergey Ignashevich. He played the majority of league games and was, at times, an impenetrable wall at the heart of a title-winning defence. Like the majority of the CSKA squad, he lost form in the autumn but put it behind him to storm home and clinch gold. Against weaker opposition, Ignashevich was totally at ease. Against the likes of Zenit’s Hulk, he struggled and Slutsky will know this better than anybody.
