Alexander Panov has hailed Russia’s terrific start at the World Cup and expects Israel, Portugal and Northern Ireland to fight for second-spot finish
The growing trend of players moving to under-developed leagues such as Major League Soccer and Chinese Super League has seen some of the World’s top rated players moving to America and China in recent years.
Famous players such as Thierry Henry, Alessandro Nesta, David Beckham, Landon Donavon, Didier Drogba, Juan Angel, Nicolas Anelka, Rafael Marquez, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Seydou Keita, and Lucas Barrios remain are earning good name in
these leagues.
Alexandr Panov has suggested out-of-favour Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin, who will turn 32 next May, to make up his mind to join one of the aforementioned two leagues in order to reclaim a place in Russian national team.
Arshavin, who captained his side during Euro 2012 under Dick Advocaat, was one of the big-name players who did not get an international call-up by Fabio Capello.
The Italian tactician does not seem to compromise on quality as he dropped Roman Pavlyuchenko, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Sergei Semak, Yuri Zhirkov and Oleg Shatov from the squad ahead of the World Cup qualifying
matches.
Panov urged Arshavin to consider China or America as his preferred destinations after failing to rediscover his old form following a six-month loan spell at Russian Premier League club, Zenit St. Petersburg.
However, the Russian midfielder has failed to impress Arsene Wenger after returning to Emirates stadium this summer. Arshavin made just one substitute appearance for the English outfit since the start of the English Premier League
campaign this season.
“He needs to make a choice for the sake of his career. Arshavin is a famous football player and it is not surprising if he move to China or U.S.A. In general, I would be happy with his move.”
“In my opinion, it will be the best solution for both club and the player if the transfer takes place.” The Russian Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Speaking on Russian national team’s excellent start to the World Cup campaign, Panov has urged Capello’s men to retain the top-spot at their respective group table.