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Zhirkov tipped for key role

In-form Russian winger earns praise from boss Ancelotti

Yuri Zhirkov has been tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to play a key role for Chelsea this season having finally found his feet at Stamford Bridge.

The Russian midfielder, who can also operate at full-back, has struggled to hit anything like his top form since joining the Premier League champions for £18million last year.

It is only really in the past month that Zhirkov has really started to produce in a Chelsea shirt, with his brilliant run and cross setting up Branislav Ivanovic's winner at Blackburn on Saturday.

Zhirkov was recently warned by Russia coach Dick Advocaat he risked his international place without regular first-team football but the 27-year-old has now been given the backing of his club manager.

Ancelotti, speaking after Chelsea's 2-1 victory at Ewood Park, said: "The goal at Spartak Moscow obviously improved his confidence. He is playing continuously now so he is showing some good football and he is working for the team.

"He was consistent last week against Wolves and he was consistent again today. Last season he showed he was ready when he replaced Ashley Cole.

"He is a very efficient player and I think he has a future."

The bit I've highlighted in bold is crap, when he came in at left back when Coley was injured last season he was excellent especially in the Villa game last season. Unbelievable how short some memories are.



Posted

I'd agree totaly with that short article, I think he's looked nowhere near Chelsea standard until the last couple of games. He hadn't really had a chance before so that's not meant as a criticism of Yuri, just to say that of all the sh*te in the media I find it strange that this is the one that's got your goat!

Posted

I'd agree totaly with that short article, I think he's looked nowhere near Chelsea standard until the last couple of games. He hadn't really had a chance before so that's not meant as a criticism of Yuri, just to say that of all the sh*te in the media I find it strange that this is the one that's got your goat!

He looked class when he played left back for us when Cole was out thats why it annoyed me. He's only had a poor start to this season really.

Posted

Wasted at LB IMO. His cross for Branna's header was as good as you'll see. Getting his chance now and although I'd have Lamps back in the starting XI in a heartbeat - it wouldn't be in Yuri's place.



Posted

I think midfield suit yuri than left back so we win good milfielder who could replace lampard and he can also play as left back so we have the ready sub for cole . great . he deserve praise .

Posted

If we didn't have Florent, Yuri would be a perfect replacement left winger/left forward...

But at least he's becoming more adept at playing in the centre of the park and pushing out when there's an opening.



Posted

Yuri is a brilliant player ... We are lucky to have him here ... I would want Carlo to give him a chance atleast once every 3 matches playing for Ashley or Flo ..

Posted

his opportunity's have been limited because our left flank is class but i remember seeing him against west ham (a) last season and he was awesome and has proved to be more than capable this one,i hope he is considered by carlo in the future as he offers something different to the team.

Posted

He was superb last season when Ashley was injured and when he started to play every game. Some of our defining moments were with him in the team. I'd never say he hasn't shown his class so far.

I do think his position is not in the centre of midfield, though. He is a wing player and tends to think and play like one. It's only a testament to his pedigree and professionalism that he has done well in midfield.



Posted

He was superb last season when Ashley was injured and when he started to play every game. Some of our defining moments were with him in the team. I'd never say he hasn't shown his class so far.

I do think his position is not in the centre of midfield, though. He is a wing player and tends to think and play like one. It's only a testament to his pedigree and professionalism that he has done well in midfield.

Thank you, that was my problem with the article saying he hasn't shown class before when he clearly has. Especially when we put 7 past Villa he was immense in that game and won us two pennas. He was also fantastic against United at OT.

I agree he is best suited as a wing player

Posted

Wasted at LB IMO. His cross for Branna's header was as good as you'll see. Getting his chance now and although I'd have Lamps back in the starting XI in a heartbeat - it wouldn't be in Yuri's place.

I agree but where? He isn't playing at LB. Essien is going to be one starting midfielder. Despite a poor match against Blackburn I wouldn't take Mikel out of the lineup - he and Zhirkov do very different things anyway. And I really don't want to drop Anelka or Malouda.

I suppose the two options would be to play Essien in the holding role with Zhirkov and Lampard or to play Zhirkov as a left forward in Anelka's place.

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