Checked In, Seat on the Plane!
Goalkeeper
Igor Akinfeev, CSKA Moscow
The undisputed starter for the national team. It’s hard to see anyone instead of the Army’s captain between the sticks. Kept on the bench in favor of the more experienced Malafeev in Russia’s previous big tournament, Akinfeev will be keen to lead the nation again.
Central Defender
Sergei Ignashevich, CSKA Moscow
A mainstay in the nation’s lineup, he is one of a few who has experience at the World Cup level. His cool-headed, calm and clever reading of the game are precious assets for Capello.
Vasili Berezutski, CSKA Moscow
Another main stay, the Russian backline would not be complete without CSKA’s triangle. Vasili complements Ignashevich in every good way. His fitness, however, is the main concern. He is currently recovering from a groin injury, and fingers are crossed that we will see the best two centre defenders in Rio next July.
Aleksei Berezutski, CSKA Moscow
The other Berezutski brother might not enjoy as much game time as his twin brother at both the club and national level, but he offers versatility at the back four. He can work reliably on the wing, and Signor Capello even tried him playing on the right wing before. Might not even get game time in Brazil, but a definite place on the roster.
Vladimir Granat, Dynamo Moscow
Granat showed that he could be relied upon, when Capello lost Ignashevich to suspension and Berezutski to injury. He has always been the first backup to the CSKA pair. Even though he is not the starter, Capello will be happy to have him on his list like he always has.
Dmitry Kombarov hopes to lead Spartak to a title this spring before making his World Cup debut.
Full-back
Dmitry Kombarov, LB, Spartak Moscow
Spartak’s captain has received a lot of faith from the gaffer, featuring in all competitive fixtures under Mr. Capello. Stepping up from the shadow of Zhirkov, who is now operating more up front in Dynamo, Dima has sealed his spot as the first choice at left back. Selected in the team for UEFA World Cup qualifying, he will finally get his chance to shine on the big stage.
Midfielder
Roman Shirokov, AM, Zenit St Petersburg
Despite all his problems with the RFU, RFPL disciplinary committee, Luciano Spalletti and Zenit fans, he is the best man behind the line of forwards. His ability to dictate the attack, and slot in to every free space the attackers create for him makes his one of the most valuable players on the team. Capello’s best bet in the middle.
Viktor Fayzulin, CM/AM, Zenit St. Petersburg
The midfielder, whose international career has bloomed under the Italian’s guidance, is another player who will be in Brazil this summer. Capello sees Fayzulin’s versatility as an advantage as he can operates on both flanks and in the center. His dribbling, passing and long-range shooting ranks among the best in the league.
Igor Denisov, DM, Dynamo Moscow
The captain. Ditched for the last two call-ups, we had doubts about him for a while. But Capello won’t take the risk of not bringing one of his best men and leaders. After an early struggle to to fit in at Anzhi and another big money move to capital, he settled down and is back to his best after the snubs. He even grabbed an awesome goal against Krylia Sovetov.
Denis Glushakov, CM, Spartak Moscow
A box-to-box midfielder, who’s always had faith from Capello. His transfer to Spartak helps his cause, with his performance improving throughout the fall. And as the qualifying round wrapped up, Capello chose him instead of captain Denisov following fine displays against Israel and for Spartak. A confirmed place for Glushakov, but remains interesting to see whether Capello will start him or not.
Alexander Samedov, AM, Lokomotiv Moscow
Out of all the respect I have for Samedov, he could struggle against much better opposition at Brazil next year with his relative lack of speed and creativity. But the fact that Capello likes him a lot has confirmed his place at the tournament next year. The Lokomotiv man has been in blistering form on the club level, bagging six goals and seven assists.
Dynamo’s precocious striker Aleksandr Kokorin could be poised for a break-out performance in Brazil, provided he stays fit.
Forward
Aleksandr Kokorin, LW, Dynamo Moscow
The Prince of Russia. Kokorin has been vital, physically and mentally. Sort of the Russian version of Neymar and Rooney, he will be the key to unlock opposing defences. His place is all but confirmed and Capello will count on the man to be 100% fit and on form by the time summer comes.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov, CF, Zenit St. Petersburg
Another survivor from Russia’s disastrous campaign at Korea-Japan 2002, Kerzhakov is the most experienced player in Capello’s squad. He has plied his trade everywhere, and been to the big tournaments with the national team. The ex-Sevilla forward will have to play his role, motivate his team and bring out his best for the glory of the nation.
Luggage Ready, Waiting to Check In!
Goalkeeper
Yuri Lodygin, Zenit St. Petersburg
Yuri, though considered a latecomer, pushed his way past Ryzhikov and Gabulov for the spot behind Akinfeev. He took Malafeev’s place at Zenit, and if he keeps his form up he will get the nod for the big show. He used his chance in his debut against Korea well, so he is most probably the second one beside Akinfeev on the plane.
Sergei Ryzhikov, Rubin Kazan
To be honest, Rubin Kazan helped Ryzhikov’s cause. He became their saviour, time and time again. This put him way above Gabulov, and Capello has reliable keepers at his disposal.
Kuban right back Aleksei Kozlov is among the fresh blood Capello has injected in the Russia squad.
Defender
Aleksei Kozlov, Kuban Krasnodar
One spot that is still up for grabs is right back. And out of all the Italian’s options, Kozlov stands the biggest chance to make the team. He represents an attack-minded full back, who supports the attack comfortably. His defence is sometimes questionable at the club level, which is why he’s yet to seal the spot at the national level.
Aleksandr Anyukov, Zenit St. Petersburg
Anyukov undoubtedly is the most experienced man at right back available for Capello. The problem is his place was taken by Smolnikov at the club level, and then by Kozlov after an injury in the Portugal match. His experience could be the key for him, but he needs to work hard and get more playing time for Zenit.
Georgi Schennikov, CSKA Moscow
Schennikov is the main option for Capello, as a natural left back to cover Dmitry Kombarov. Should he keep his place from Kirill Nababkin and continue to perform for the reigning champions, he could distant himself from other contenders, such as Anzhi’s Andrei Eschenko and Yury Zhirkov.
Sergei Parshivlyuk, Spartak Moscow
Another full back that will be on Capello’s mind. He was made captain during his tender age for the capital club before missing almost two seasons with a horrible knee injury. However he came back with a bang this season, performing well for his beloved club. If he keeps his fitness and attitude sharp, he’ll be needed alongside current club captain Kombarov.
Midfielder
Alan Dzagoev, CSKA Moscow
The CSKA man has been one of the few, whom Capello opted to give more attention but less playing time. His outrage, back when Russia was playing against Northern Ireland at home does not help his cause. But his super sub performance against Israel may have made the gaffer rethink his involvement. Should he keep his head low, and perform his best for both club and country, he will convince Capello to bring him along.
Yuri Zhirkov, Dynamo Moscow
Zhirkov, if his injuries are behind him, will be one of the first eleven in Capello’s plan. Lately, he has been almost at the level he was when playing with CSKA. If he keeps the momentum up he will come with the pack to Brazil, and may even start some games.
Aleksandr Ryazantsev, Zenit
The ex-Rubin playmaker has been a steady back-up for Capello’s squad thanks to his top performance for the Kazan side. However, he moved to Zenit in January after his contract ran out, and it will be interesting to see whether he can beat the stiff competition there and shine to get Capello’s attention.
Aleksei Ionov, Dynamo Moscow
His blistering form for Kuban last season caught the Italian’s eyes, and earned him a call-up to the national side. A product of Zenit’s youth academy, Ionov found his form dipped after his moves to Anzhi and Dynamo. He needs to step up his game to get picked for the big one in June.
Despite just 4 (!) goals at the club level in 7 seasons, Capello continues to call on Fedor Smolov.
Forward
Fedor Smolov, Anzhi Makhachkala
He had not scored for a year and 14 days before his simple tap-in during the South Korean friendly. His call-up, in place of an in-form Dzyuba or even Arshavin was criticized by the media and fans alike. But Capello insisted that Smolov fits his system well, moves as he should and provides a good back-up to Kokorin. He should be on Capello’s shortlist. Now he will get his chance at Anzhi where he will got more playing time compared to his last spell there. Hopefully he will find his scoring touch in Makhachkala.
Waiting for the Call
Goalkeeper
Vladimir Gabulov, Dynamo Moscow
The long-time reserve keeper for Akinfeev on the national side, Gabulov might lose his place to in-form Lodygin and Ryzhikov. His performance has deteriorated much since his summer move from Anzhi to Dynamo. But to be honest he did not have a reliable line of defence in front of him.
Defender
Andrey Eschenko, Anzhi Makhachkala
The left back can operate further up front and also can switch to the right side when needed. He got his chance under the Italian’s guidance, but was marred by an ACL tear he obtained when playing for Anzhi last spring. After missing seven months, he’s back and still trying to get his feet under him. Rumours has it that he will be granted a move to either Krasnodar or back to Lokomotiv. Should he get his form back, he would be a nice addition for Capello and Russia in Brazil.
Dmitri Tarasov, Lokomotiv Moscow
A powerful midfielder, Tarasov has proved his doubters wrong so many times this season. The energy behind Loko’s success so far, he unfortunately tore his ACL during the winter break training camp for his club. Even if he manages to recover in time, he will most likely be left behind.
Pavel Mamaev, FC Krasnodar
A rejuvenated Mamaev shone in his loan spell at Krasnodar before sealing a permanent move there in December. The ex-CSKA midfielder proved his point by winning a recall from Capello for his latest roster, but it remains to be seen whether he can make it in the end or not.
Vladimir Bystrov, Anzhi Makhachkala
The Zenit winger, currently loaned out to Anzhi has been one of the mainstays in the squad, though mostly on the bench. It’s hard to see him not be picked, but if others show more he will be among the first to make way for them.
Forward
Artem Dzyuba, FC Rostov
The striker’s presence in the team caused serious debate among Russian sport fans. Despite his brilliant scoring rate and assists for Rostov, Capello has opted against picking him many times. But his concern may be justified as the towering striker has always struggled against quality competition. A lot of critics, however, still prefer him instead of awarding Smolov the place on the plane to Rio.
Could one of the old guard sneak into the squad with a strong spring performance?
Outsiders
Goalkeeper - Aleksandr Belenov (Kuban), Anton Shunin (Dynamo)
Defender - Vytali Dyakov (Rostov), Taras Burlak (Rubin), Roman Shishkin (Lokomotiv), Kirill Nababkin (CSKA), Dzhamaldin Khodzhaniyazov (Amkar)
Midfielder - Oleg Shatov (Zenit), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Anzhi), Artur Yusupov (Dynamo), Aleksei Miranchuk (Lokomotiv)
Forward - Andrei Arshavin (Zenit), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Lokomotiv), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Reading), Denis Cheryshev (Sevilla)
Conclusion
Capello has in mind who will be his best eleven, barring injuries, to bring Russia into prominence at the big tournament. The only position that looks up for grabs is right back, where all of the candidates look level. All the moves during the winter break could be important for the fringe players to grab the Italian’s attention. The old stars like Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko, and Bilyaletdinov will have a lot to do in the second half of the season.
My Say
Capello will try to play it safe against the likes of Belgium with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Denisov anchoring at the back and Glushakov linking the attacking group and defensive part of the team. Dzagoev can be slotted in the middle of the game to change the pace in place of Denisov and will push Shirokov up front as the shadow striker.
4-2-3-1
Akinfeev
Kozlov - Ignashevich, V. Berezutski - D. Kombarov
Denisov - Glushakov
Kokorin – Shirokov - Fayzulin
Kerzhakov
If the Italian tactician chooses to attack, he could possibly opt for playing with two strikers or using Shirokov as the shadow striker from the beginning. Kokorin can provide pace and explosiveness on the flank, while Samedov could offer a change on the right side.
4-4-1-1
Akinfeev
Kozlov - Ignashevich, V. Berezutski - D. Kombarov
Samedov - Denisov, Fayzulin - Kokorin
Shirokov
Kerzhakov
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