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#2 Denis Cheryshev - Villarreal (on loan from Real Madrid)
Age: 24
Position: Winger
When a player has his breakthrough season at the age of 24, he is indeed considered a late bloomer, but what is even more surprising is that a club like Real Madrid have had the patience to help the Russian achieve his true potential while he is still a player of the club. Cheryshev was given a chance to impress last season when he was sent on loan to Sevilla, but he couldn’t get enough game time there and returned to Real Madrid. This season, Real loaned him out to Villarreal and he has come out with flying colours after getting a chance to prove his worth.
The Russian has played 32 times for Villarreal this season and has found the back of the net seven times and has provided 10 assists as well. His assists tally is currently the joint sixth highest in the league along with the likes of Karim Benzema and Koke.
His contributions at club level didn’t go unnoticed as Fabio Capello called up Cheryshev to the Russian national team after snubbing him from the final cut for the World Cup. Interestingly, Cheryshev was the only player in the squad who didn’t play domestic football in Russia and considering his good form it is unlikely to ply his trade in Russia anytime soon.
It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will give Cheryshev a chance with their first team next season or cash in on him when his market value is still high.
