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#6 Denis Cheryshev- Atletico Madrid
When Alan Dzagoev went off injured against Saudi Arabia, Russian fans gasped as they wondered about their team’s potential without their creative magician. Dzagoev was once the golden boy of Russia, yet his injury problems prevented him from playing in the 2016 Euros. His replacement was another former exciting young prospect in Denis Cheryshev, who had once been on Real Madrid’s books.
No one (except for maybe Cheryshev himself) would have imagined that eight days later, the Villareal midfielder would be regarded as one of the players of the tournament so far (with the 3rd highest player rating).
His brace against Saudi Arabia included two goals (especially the second) that any player in the world would have been proud of. His performance against Egypt was equally brilliant as the Russian helped put the game out of Egypt’s reach with a composed finish.
Based on Cheryshev’s club performances, one wouldn’t be tipping him for a big money move. The Russian was mainly a substitute for Villareal last year as he only made nine starts in La Liga last season. Yet the nature of the transfer market is such that a few good games in the World Cup can eclipse several average club performances.
For good reason too, it suggests that the player can flourish at the biggest stage. Considering his experience in Spanish football, Cheryshev would be better placed staying in La Liga. In this case, Atletico Madrid would be ideal for the Russian. Diego Simeone’s team recently signed Thomas Lemar to likely play on the left wing in the manager’s trademark 4-4-2.
The Frenchman will likely need a serviceable backup and Cheryshev would be ideal for the position. The Russian’s creativity would add another dimension to Atletico’s usual workmanlike approach. Moreover, his ability to track back also bodes well for a potential future playing for one for Europe’s best defensive sides.
