Player profile: Izmailov

Izmailov

Full name: Marat Nailevich Izmailov

Position: Midfielder

Date of Birth: 21 September 1982

Birthplace: Moscow, Russia



Marat Izmailov has had the reputation of being one of the most talented Russian players of his generation for nearly a decade, but it’s only since his arrival in Portugal that he has begun to add consistency to his undeniable promise.

Born in Moscow in 1982, the youngster came through the Torpedo Moscow youth system before moving across the city to the up-and-coming Lokomotiv Moscow in 2000. Izmailov’s pace, dribbling skill and excellent passing were already evident, and the young right-sided attacker’s gifts led to a meteoric rise the following season.

Early success

In the space of a mere five months in 2001 Izmailov went from turning out for the Lokomotiv reserve side to being selected for the full international team.

On the way to winning Russia’s Young Player of the Year award, he scored on his Russian First Division, European and Russia under-21 debuts, and Lokomotiv also won the Russian Cup, the first major trophy in their history. The winger made his bow for Russia against Greece in August, a month before his 19th birthday.

While the Railwaymen went from strength to strength, winning the league title for the first time in 2002, Izmailov ran into the problem which has stymied his career too often – injuries. He managed just 14 games in the championship season.

Yet despite his struggle to stay regularly fit, Lokomotiv’s continued success (they won the title again in 2004) meant Izmailov picked up plenty of European experience while at the club. His stunning opening goal against eventual finalists Monaco in the 2004 Champions League, skating around three challenges before smashing in, took the club to the brink of a quarter-final place and helped to announce Lokomotiv on the European stage.

Instant hit

He eventually left Russia in a surprise switch to Portugal, as Sporting looked east to strengthen the side that narrowly missed out to Porto in the 2007 title race. Appropriately clad in his favoured number seven shirt, the Moscovite made an instant impression, striking a long-range winner to win the Portuguese Super Cup in August against their rivals from the north.

Izmailov continued to impress in domestic and European games alike, as Sporting benefited from the versatility he has added to his game, with the capability of playing virtually anywhere in midfield and attack.

Clubs from England, Italy and even Russia started to circle, with Manchester City and Internazionale particularly strongly linked, aware that Sporting have only until 31 March to make Izmailov’s loan spell into a permanent deal.

With the fee set at a reasonable US$5 million, the fans thrilled by performances such as the one that took the Lions to the brink of beating Roma in the Champions League will hope that Sporting do that sooner rather than later.

For his part, Izmailov will hope his performances earn him a place back in the national team in time for Euro 2008. The first step towards that goal occurred in mid January when he was recalled into the Russian squad for a training camp in Turkey. Indeed, the midfielder may find himself lining up against some of his club team-mates in the summer tournament.

by Andy Brassell (31/01/2008)

CLUB APPEARANCES* GOALS
Lokomotiv Moscow 141 21
Sporting** 11 3
     
RUSSIA 31 2

* League only
** Up to January 10 2008

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