Yuri Okroshidze has hailed the Russian national team’s terrific World Cup qualifying campaign so far and has urged them to extend their impressive run
Zenit St. Petersburg and the Russian national team central midfielder, Igor Denisov, is one of the few Russian players who has completed 90 minutes in each of qualifying matches against Northern Ireland, Israel, Portugal and Azerbaijan lately.
The 28-year-old midfielder was arguably Russia’s best player on the pitch after making scintillating performances at the centre of the park. The prolific midfielder has been given first-team action by Fabio Capello despite a fresh controversy.
Denisov has particularly been criticized for his unprofessional behaviour at Zenit after the midfielder refused to play the Russian Premier League tie against Krylia Sovetov Samara at Metallurg stadium.
Many had thought that Capello, the manager, will drop Denisov ahead of their tough encounters against Portugal and Azerbaijan. However, Capello trusted Denisov, who played a massive part in Russia’s 1-0 win against the Navigators.
There is little arguing to the statement that Denisov, who missed three league fixtures and Zenit’s UEFA Champions League meeting against AC Milan, widely impressed in Russia’s 1-0 win against the Navigators and Milli Komanda respectively.
The former Rubin Kazan goalkeeper, Yuri Okroshidze, has insisted that Denisov should apologize to the St. Petersburg club’s management for showing an utterly rude attitude over a salary issue.
“Denisov is a true professional. He is a young guy and I think we all make mistakes one way or another. I think he needs to go back to his club where he belongs.” The 42-year-old was quoted as saying.
Okroshidze went on to hail Russia’s terrific start to the World Cup campaign, saying that Capello’s men deserve credit to become the only European team who have claimed back-to-back wins in the tournament despite conceding a goal.
Russia are at the top-spot on their respective group table with 12 points and are above in the standings from second-placed Israel team by five massive points. Portugal, on the other hand, dropped down to the 3rd spot after failing to win against Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

News source: Bettor
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