Alan Dzagoev – One to watch this summer

For any major tournament, there are always players to watch out for and the European Championships this summer is no different. With 368 professionals taking part from the 16 nations that qualified, it is unquestioned that the competition will give fans an insight into the best players in Europe.

One of those on show is young Alan Dzagoev of CSKA Moscow and Russia. The young, attacking midfielder looks set to be one the stars at Euro 2012, provided manager Dick Advocaat utilises the 21-year-old to his full potential. Providing the link between the midfield and the attack, Dzagoev can be one of the players that will set Poland and Ukraine alight with his ability to unlock any defence in the blink of an eye.

Dubbed the Russian Lionel Messi, with his trickery, slick dribbling ability and keen eye for goal all too similar to the Argentine equivalent. Despite his tender age of just 21, Dzagoev already has 20 international caps and is expected to make similar impact at Euro 2012, much like compatriot Andrei Arshavin during Euro 2008.

Courted by Manchester United and Chelsea in recent years, the CSKA ace will surely attract a large number of potential suitors over the coming month. 37 goals since he made his senior debut in 2008, with 13 of those coming in that season, it is assisting team-mates where the youngster shines, with 15 on top of his six goals this year alone.

For fantasy football enthusiasts, including Dzagoev in your team could be a wise choice. With Arshavin failing to recapture his form of four years ago, the midfielder is expected to undertake the creative hub role of the Russian side. Whether he can shoulder the responsibility is another question altogether, but if he shows his club form for country, you can be sure the diminutive schemer will be one of the players that will grasp the attention of football fans this summer.  

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