I am sure he’s really good if Blokhin picked him. At the same time, you and I cannot see what goes on in practice. I am sure they play first-team versus reserves, so he’s obviously contributing by testing the forwards sharp.

Don’t forget, he just came back from the European U-21 championship in Portugal. His legs must be just recovering now. Same goes for Yatsenko, Milveskiy, and the goalie Pyatov (not that Shovkovsky needs help! knock on wood…)

I remember Blokhin saying he’d hate to put these guys on the pitch except as a last resort. Knowing how hard they played in Portugal, I think they agree.

Also: about Rebrov up front with Shevchenko; tempting but not exactly effective. Rebrov is an attacking midfielder and that’s where he’s best. In each of the last two games, he had a point-blank chance to score after some set plays. He sent the ball high both sides. That’s how I can tell he needs to play behind Shevchenko and Voronin. He can supply better than score from close range. And that goal of his from midfield…wow. More of that, please.

On Voronin: exactly right. Gets into great positions, then panics and sends wide shots instead of coming closer and finishing.

Perfect weather to play some futbol

But its hard to “keep it clean” if you played ruff all your life.
So lets hope there will be less mother loving, crybaby, my leg is broken, mommy!! dramatically painful diving calls.