Aleksey Batrakov: Lokomotiv Moscow’s Rising Midfield Conductor
Over the past decade, Russian football has quietly drifted from the European spotlight. Since the country’s exclusion from major international competitions and continental club tournaments, the next generation of Russian talent has been largely hidden from view. Yet the nation continues to produce technically refined, creative midfielders; players in the lineage of Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Golovin.
The latest and perhaps most exciting of this new wave is Aleksey Batrakov, Lokomotiv Moscow’s 20-year-old attacking midfielder, whose rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his senior debut against Krasnodar in the 2023/24 season at just 18, Batrakov has evolved from a promising academy prospect into arguably the standout young player in Russian football.
In the current campaign, he has already produced 14 goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances, building on last season’s totals to reach 45 goal involvements across 65 senior matches. Those numbers are extraordinary for a player operating primarily as a central attacking midfielder – a reflection of both his intelligence and clinical execution in the final third.
Tactical Role and Playing Style
Batrakov operates as a central attacking midfielder, most often in Lokomotiv’s 4-2-3-1. His style is defined by freedom of movement, intuition, and a capacity to interpret the rhythm of the game. He drifts fluidly across attacking zones, appearing between the lines to receive the ball and accelerate attacks.
His most distinctive quality is his ability to arrive in the penalty area at the right time. Twenty of his last twenty-five goals have come from inside the box – not through sheer pace or power, but through precise reading of defensive lines and sharp, late movement. This trait evokes comparisons to players like Florian Wirtz and Nico Paz, who also combine the instincts of a striker with the technical intelligence of a playmaker.
Lokomotiv’s attacking model – a fast, vertical style that prioritizes quick progression through central corridors – suits Batrakov perfectly. He frequently drops into deeper pockets to collect possession, then drives play forward through short passing sequences. When transitions open up, he continues his run to support the attack, often arriving as the second wave to finish moves he helped initiate.
Aleksey thrives in half-spaces, where he prefers to receive facing goal. From there, he can confront defenders 1v1 or hold possession to “pin” an opponent before releasing a teammate into the space he’s created. This composure and spatial awareness make him highly effective.
Statistical and Stylistic Comparison
To contextualize Batrakov’s profile, we can compare his current metrics with those of Nico Paz (Como 2025/26 Season), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig and Tottenham- 2024/25 and 2025/26 Seasons), and Florian Wirtz (Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen 2024/25 and 2025/26 Seasons); three young attacking midfielders with similar technical and positional tendencies.
– Goals p/90
– XG p/90
– Shoots p/90
– Assist p/90
– XAssist p/90
– Key Passes p/90
– total of XG of every possesion the player is involved per 90
Across categories such as xG, xA, key passes, and involvement in possession-based xG per 90 minutes, Batrakov’s figures mirror those of his European counterparts. Where he separates himself is in goal efficiency – his goals per 90 rate exceeds theirs, a result of both intelligent movement and composure in the box, but also a lower level of difficulty.
The comparison also reinforces his stylistic identity: a goal-oriented playmaker, more of a finisher and link player than a high-volume chance creator. Much like Wirtz and Simons, he thrives when given creative freedom and when the tactical structure revolves around his positioning between lines.
Strengths
What immediately catches the eye when watching Batrakov is the clarity of his decision making. His football intelligence is exceptional – he interprets spaces, anticipates defensive reactions, and consistently finds angles that open progression routes for his team.
In front of goal, he displays a calm and clinical edge uncommon for a player his age. Rather than forcing shots from distance (although he can also shot from distance with very good accuracy), he times his runs into the penalty area, finishing with accuracy and composure. His movement allows him to bypass physical duels; he scores by avoiding contact rather than enduring it.
Technically, he is smooth and balanced, with a close first touch and strong control in tight areas. Even though he’s not a natural dribbler, his quick link-up play and ability to combine in small spaces make him highly effective in crowded attacking zones. His agility, balance, and clean technique ensure that he rarely loses possession under pressure.
Points to Improve
The most visible area for improvement is physical robustness. Standing at 1.71 metres, Batrakov can be outmuscled in shoulder-to-shoulder duels. While his balance and agility mitigate this domestically, the physical intensity of the top five European leagues would demand greater lower-body strength and endurance. Building resistance without losing mobility will be key to unlocking his next developmental phase.
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Creatively, Batrakov’s game remains short-range and combination-oriented. He excels in quick, compact sequences but hesitates when executing longer, line-breaking passes or switches of play. At times he carries the ball instead of releasing it early, slowing transitions. Expanding his passing range and decision speed will make him a more complete attacking midfielder capable of dictating tempo, not just exploiting it.
Potential Fits in Top-Five Leagues
For Batrakov to continue his upward trajectory, the next step must be a club that offers consistent minutes, attacking freedom, and a structure that values intelligent movement. In England, Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola represents a strong fit – a club known for nurturing young talents within a high-intensity, vertical style. In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen could be a natural destination as Wirtz replacement. In both environments, Batrakov would find the tempo and structure needed to refine his game while maintaining his creative instincts.
Conclusion
Aleksey Batrakov is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising young attacking midfielders; a player whose intelligence, movement, and finishing make him stand out even in isolation from Europe’s spotlight. His current output at Lokomotiv Moscow demonstrates a level of productivity and maturity that hints at significant long-term potential.
If he continues to develop physically and adds greater variety to his creative play, Batrakov could evolve into the kind of midfielder modern football increasingly values: a goal-producing playmaker capable of both initiating and finishing attacks. With a current valuation of around £23 million, he is on course to become the most expensive Russian exports in recent history.
By: Filipe Melo / @filipemelo171
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / SOPA Images / Light Rocket