One of the summer’s enduring and assumingly never-ending transfer stories was that surrounding Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin. Inspiring performances at Euro 2008 earned him plaudits throughout Europe, where he starred as his country’s dynamo in their success story at the tournament. As with any major talent that shines during an international tournament, speculation grew over Arshavin’s future and whether he would be departing the Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg. The only stumbling point was the destination where he was heading to, and more importantly whether they had the finances to make such a deal happen.
A move to the club he supported as a child never materialised. “I have supported Barcelona all my life. Barcelona are my dream. I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club. Let's see how the situation unfolds." Rumours then began to circulate that North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham were set to duel for Arshavin’s signature. "It is an honour to be linked to such great European clubs. But if I do move to England I would love to play for Arsenal because they play beautiful football which is appreciated all around the world, and also I would love to play under Arsene Wenger who is one of the best managers in the world." Transfer deadline day on September 1st came and passed and any move failed to prevail.
During the period of speculation over his future at Zenit, and the fact that his club were demanding a fee in the region of £20 million, he was dropped from first-team affairs. Now that Arshavin has been re-instated to the first-team, how has he fared on his return for Zenit and compared to his previous form?
Pre-Euro 2008 Form for Zenit
Club appearances: 6
Minutes Played: 540
Goals scored: 2
Goals per minute: 270
Post-Euro 2008 Form for Zenit
Club appearances: 14
Minutes Played: 1088
Goals scored: 2
Goals per minute: 544
In terms of goalscoring, he has not been as prolific since Euro 2008 in comparison to his form before the European championships. He has never been a natural goalscorer, rather as an attacking midfielder or second striker being his forte. Such comparisons are inconclusive, although distractions are bound to be present due to the constant speculation surrounding his future. Have his performances differed in this particularly uncertain season in comparison to the previous years he has donned the Zenit shirt?
2008 Club Statistics (to date)
Appearances: 19
Goals: 4
Goals/appearances ratio: 0.21
Assists: 4
2007 Club Statistics
Appearances: 30
Goals: 10
Goals/appearances ratio: 0.33
Assists: 11
2006 Club Statistics
Appearances: 28
Goals: 7
Goals/appearances ratio: 0.25
Assists: 13
2005 Club Statistics
Appearances: 29
Goals: 9
Goals/appearances ratio: 0.31
Assists: 9
2004 Club Statistics
Appearances: 28
Goals: 6
Goals/appearances ratio: 0.21
Assists: 8
No comments:
Post a Comment