Kuala Lumpur: Lets take a look at one of the AFC Champions League 2016 key players, Lokomotiv's Igor Sergeev, as we await the Group Stage which kicks off next week.
KEY PLAYER: IGOR SERGEEV – Lokomotiv
AFC Champions League Record
Appearances: 18
Goals: 3
PROFILE
Young striker Igor Sergeev is following in the long tradition of prolific goal scorers at Pakhtakor as he takes up the mantle previously held by the likes of Uzbek stars Alexander Geynrikh and Igor Shkvyrin.
Sergeev, who turns 23 at the end of April, finished the 2015 season as the top scorer in the Uzbekistan league, finding the back of the net on 23 occasions having also made an impact for the national team at the AFC Asian Cup finals earlier in the year.
He made the headlines at Australia 2015 when he headed home Uzbekistan’s winner against DPR Korea in the group stages of the competition, and his performance at the AFC Asian Cup set him up for his best season yet domestically.
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young stars in Uzbek football, the 2016 AFC Champions League could be Sergeev’s chance to shine brighter still.
IMPORTANCE TO TEAM
An out-and-out striker, Sergeev can be deadly in the opposition’s penalty area and has proven to be a skilled finisher both in the air and on the ground.
He is capable of scoring thanks to his individual skill or applying the finishing touch to impressive team moves.
ONES TO WATCH
Talented playmaker Jamshid Iskanderov is one of a number of Pakhtakor youth academy products that includes skillful 22-year-old midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov. Defender Vladimir Kozak has played his entire professional career with Pakhtakor and is a key part of the Tashkent club’s multiple championship-winning side.
Source: the-afc.com