#4 Yuri Zhirkov (Chelsea)
Signed in 2009 for a reported £18 million, Chelsea’s Zhirkov broke Andrei Arshavin’s record as the most expensive Russian footballer of all time. It seemed to be with good reason too, as he scored the winner on debut in a friendly against AC Milan, but subsequent injury issues would see Zhirkov in and out of the side on a regular basis.
While his side won the league and FA cup double in his debut season, his only goal for them would come in the Champions league next season – an absolute screamer against Spartak Moscow in the group stages.
As someone known more for setting up goals and winning penalties than scoring them, this one is etched in the fans’ memories and his forever.
Feedback
