The Russian national team manager has hailed the Sporting Lisbon striker, urging him to continue his decent form in Euro 2012
Russian national team manager, d**k Advocaat, has defended his decision to include Sporting Lisbon’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marat-Izmailov-c23466 in the final 23-man squad ahead of Euro 2012, admitting that the 29-year-old forward will help the national team
in the continental tournament.
Advocaat had to exclude Spartak Moscow’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Artem-Dzyuba-c6682 from the provisional 26-man squad in order to adjust Izmailov in the team.
Media reports in Russia suggest that some senior football analysts have questioned Advocaat’s decision to include Izmailov, who has returned to the national team after reportedly six-year long absence.
There is little arguing that the prolific striker has been in scintillating form this season, having netted five goals in 13 League appearances. His blistering form has earned him a place in the national team, and if speculations
are to be believed, the CIS Cup winner could leave Estádio http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/José-c19246 Alvalade for a bigger club this summer.
“I have kept an eye on him long ago when I coached Zenit. I had tried to purchase this player but for some reason a deal was failed to materialize. Marat has enough good qualities. I remember that Izmailov was much cheaper at the
time.” The Scottish Premier League winner was quoted as saying.
Advocaat has conceded that he invited Izmailov to the national team for a potential replacement for CSKA Moscow’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-Dzagoev-c4249. The Koni attacker has sustained a muscle injury.
The Dutch tactician is of the belief that Lisbon's star deserves a chance to play in the European tournament after expressing an interest to help his national team earlier this month.
Izmailov completed 90 minutes on the pitch when Russia held http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Uruguay-c3035 in a friendly match at Lokomotiv stadium on Friday. Advocaat has hailed the Russian attacker, admitting that Izmailov has got immense potential to claim more first
team action.
“Izmailov had a good match against Uruguay. He is technically strong. He had a good work out in defence. I see him as a left winger. He can play ahead of the central defenders: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roman-Shirokov-c31645.” He concluded.
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