Real Madrid sets sights on three Russian talents
Published: 21 July, 2009, 12:14
TAGS: Sport, Football, Russian Premier League
CSKA’s Igor Akinfeev and Alan Dzagoev, as well as Dinamo’s Fyodor Smolov, are on the list of 30 young players that may strengthen Real Madrid in the future, Sport-Express newspaper reports.
Real’s Director of Division of Strategy Planning Raul Bravo arrived in Moscow last week to meet with the representatives of Russia’s top clubs: CSKA, Spartak, Lokomotiv and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
One of the main aims of his visit was the development of the new strategy for working with young football talents from across the world for the Madrid super-club.
The Spanish Giant is forming a list of young players who may grow into big stars and join the Galácticos some day.
They have currently scouted 30 names and three of them are Russians. 23-year-old CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who is also Russia’s Number 1, made the roll. The player, who made his debut at 17 by saving a penalty and keeping a clean sheet, has already won the UEFA Cup and reached the semis at Euro 2008.
Real Madrid isn’t the only big club hunting for the talent as AC Milan and Arsenal were reported to show interest in his services.
Akinfeev’s teammate – attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev – is 19 years old, but he’s already made his debut for the national team and was named country’s best young player last year.
19-year-old Fyodor Smolov from Dinamo Moscow is the key player in Russia’s U21 squad.
Another player from the Russian Premier League on the list is Czech Toms Necid, who scored several vital goals for CSKA Moscow this season.
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