Scouting World Cup Stars: Roman Sergeyevich Zobnin
Full Name: Roman Sergeyevich Zobnin
Nationality: Russian
Date of Birth: 11 February 1994 (age 24)
Birthplace: Irkutsk, Russia
Height: 184 m (6 ft 1 in)
Youth Club: Konoplyov football academy
Current Club: Spartak Moscow
Number: 11 (Russian National Team), 47 (Spartak Moscow)
Position: Midfield
Preferred Foot: Right
Market Value: 7.2 Million
Contract Until: 30.06.2021
Player’s Agent: Pavel Andreev
Transfer Rumors: None
Behind the talents of Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Cheryshev, Artem Dzyuba, and Alan Dzagoev lies an equally as talented Russian Midfielder who does his work quietly righting the ship for Russia’s National Team. That man is 24 year-old Roman Zobnin, player of Spartak Moscow. Born in a family of a pilot of civil aviation, Zobnin chose a very different career path and at age 10 moved to the Konoplyov football academy, which is now mainly sponsored by Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich’s National Academy of Football. It is worth noting that Konoplyov football academy, even today, has among 1000 players ranging from U8 to U18, with famous graduates such as Zobnin, Alan Dzagoev, and Ilya Kutepov. Zobnin’s years at Konoplyov were tough for him as missed his home in Irkutsk, crying while talking on the phone with his mom. Zobnin was not allowed to fly home during his time at Konoplyov as it required the consent of his parents.
In 2013, Zobnin signed with FC Dynamo Moscow and after good performances in the second team Zobnin made his debut with the first team on the 19th of July 2013. The next season Zobnin became a valuable first team member receiving the “Hope Dynamo” award given to the best young player in the club. Zobnin made his debut with the national team following his good season. However, the next season Dynamo were relegated to the Russian second division and Zobnin left for Spartak Moscow. At Spartak, Zobnin continued his rise to the top and became one of the leading players on the team. However, during a friendly with the national team, Zobnin ruptured his cruciate ligament causing him to miss the start of the season and the Confederations Cup. Zobnin enjoyed a solid season with Spartak and looks set to be Russia’s midfield anchor for the 2018 World Cup.
Strengths:
- Passing
- Headers
- Through Balls
- Versatility
- Defensive Contribution
- Vision
- Technique
- First Touch
- Consistency
Style of Play:
- Box to Box Midfielder
- Wins Aerial Duals
- Tough Tackler
- Accurate One-Two touch passing
- Likes to help teammates win the ball back
- Good Technical Ability
- High work rate and stamina
- Hard-Working Player
Achievements:
Russian Premier League Title (2016-2017), Russian Super Cup 2017
League Summary:
Russian Premier League (14 played/1 assist), UEFA Champions League (2 played), UEFA Europa League (2 Played)
Writer: Kevin @Sevillista4Life
Photo: Getty Images