World Cup 2018: Ideal Clubs for the Tournament’s Most Impressive Young Players

#2 Artem Dzyuba- Burnley

Artem Dzyuba

Before the World Cup, Artem Dzyuba was derisively nicknamed “derevo” (or tree) by Russian fans. Watching him play for the first time, one can see the origins of the nickname. Dzyuba is a giant who is rather clumsy with the ball at his feet and can easily be seen as a one-dimensional player.

While that reputation is well-deserved to a certain extent (Dzyuba struggled in the Russian Premier League last season), the Russian has shown in the World Cup that there is much more to his game than heading. Sure, the Russian’s first goal of the tournament was a perfect header.

Since then, Dzyuba has shown other facets of his game as his hold-up play was superb. More impressively, Dzyuba scored a cracking goal against Egypt (with his feet!). Such performances will likely make Dzyuba a transfer target for teams across Europe.

In truth, Dzyuba would be a reliable Plan B option for most low-budget teams in Europe. His height (and occasional ability to play with the ball at his feet) could provide a direct option to most of these teams which do not have the attacking talent of Real Madrid or Manchester City.

Yet, the ideal fit for the Russian would be Burnley- perhaps Europe’s most overachieving team.

At a time where the ‘recipe for success’ is genuinely viewed to be big-money signings and possession-based football, Sean Dyche’s team managed to finish 7th in the Premier League despite spending comparatively less and playing a traditional physical style.

The Clarets averaged the second most crosses per game in the Premier League and tied for 6th in headed goals. Dzyuba’s physicality and aerial dominance would be a perfect fit in Dyche’s system.