Igor Akinfeev - Owner of Europe’s Most Unwanted Run

Igor Akinfeev. The name - dependant on how closely you have followed the Russian’s progress over the last ten years - will bring different memories. If you haven’t been following Russian football closely, let me give you an update on the “Football Manager legend” career.

The keeper is CSKA’s third most capped player but at 29, there is plenty of time for Russia’s no.1 to claim top spot. He has won five league titles, six Russian Cup’s and six Super Cup’s. He was also essential in CSKA’s UEFA Cup success in 2005.

To the CSKA fans, he is the definition of a ‘legend’. Having made his first appearance at the age of 17 (now going onto 30), he has stayed in the Russian capital and life without him would be like waking up from a nightmare in a hot and sweaty state.

Many have been disappointed not see him leave the Russian capital. Those within Russia have wanted to see how he would fare in Western Europe - unless you’re a Zenit, Lokomotiv or Spartak fan where they have wanted to see him leave to give their sides a better chance of domestic success.

Although a move away from the Army Men is yet to happen, there have been plenty of rumours surrounding Akinfeev. Especially after he was praised by no other than Sir Alex Ferguson after CSKA’s 3-3 draw against Manchester United in 2007. After those comments, journalist started to wack their keyboards vigorously, trying to be ‘first’ to predict a move for the Russian, but Akinfeev has shown loyalty to CSKA - or shown a lack of ambition. That is for you to choose.

His reputation was dented last summer. One of the first names on Russia’s team sheets, during the World Cup, the keeper made a howler against South Korea. Having it been Russia’s first game, the criticism was kept at a restriction, but when Akinfeev made another costly mistake against Algeria in the last game that caused Russia to be eliminated, the gates opened and Akinfeev received a lot of flak. He was held responsible for Russia’s calamitous World Cup - after Capello of course.

Akinfeev recently took the lead in the Lev Yashin club, becoming the Russian goalkeeper with the most clean sheets but Russia’s no.1 also holds another record. After the PSV game, Akinfeev has gone a record-breaking 37 games without a clean sheet in the Champions League. His last one was in 2006 against Arsenal. On that occasion, Milos Krasic had a ‘wondered’ label, Chelsea were yet to have heard of Yuri Zhirkhov, and Ivica Olic was still rocking it for CSKA.

Of course, this run cannot be blamed solely onto Akinfeev. He has make some tremendous saves and on various occasions he has come so close to breaking the run - but the later in the game the Moscow side concede, the more rage and anger is vented from Akinfeev.

When you consider their lack of progress, this statistic becomes magnified. So how much is Akinfeev responsible for CSKA’s lack of progression in Europe?

Looking at the statistics, it isn’t happy reading for CSKA - only two appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds since Akinfeev has taken to the sticks in his first European campaign in 2003.

CSKA aren’t one of the best teams in Europe but on paper their team should have had more success than what they have been achieving. Their form at home can be formidable - Moscow is a tough place to go. Although recently, it hasn’t been reaping the best results.

Last seasons campaign saw them lose to Bayern at home by one, draw with City and Roma whilst they recorded a famous away victory at the Etihad.

Their front line of Seydou Doumbia and Ahmed Musa makes them one of the strongest counter attacking threats in Europe. For a team who are so large in Russia but sat in the shadow of Europe’s Western teams, their tactics and approach to games are correct - sit deep and counter.

Sitting deep - well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work it out - will put more pressure on you but this can’t be used to excused Akinfeev and CSKA’s defence for all their games. Over two games, they conceded four against Sparta Prague earlier on in the competition.

All in all, it is an unwanted record from one of Europe’s once-a-upon-a-time hottest prospects.

With records set, there is a determination from the player to achieve the highest tally possible so it stands. Unfortunately for Akinfeev, not only is his record unwanted but it also looks incredibly tough for someone to come along and beat it.

 

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