However, while the Russian championship is so attractive and generous, that our legionnaires can easily be counted on the fingers of one hand. Also unused will remain. Before Kerzhakov decided to move to Sevilla, Ivan Sayenko was our only serious foreign envoy. However, in Russia he is known not so well, and the club is represented by the overwhelming German “Nuremberg”.
Kerzhakov is a completely different matter. He is a famous, popular person. And now many in Russia will begin to follow the Spanish championship with new interest. However, as soon as Kerzhakov came to Sevilla, the team began a game crisis. If you do not believe in all the mystical nonsense, the ex-Zenitist, of course, has nothing to do with it. But the fact remains: in the last three rounds, Sevilla scored exactly one point. It happened in a Sunday match against Villarreal.
Alexander himself has already twice come out in the championship of Spain to replace, but statistically has not stood out. But in the cup match against Rayo Vallecano, the Russian striker was in the starting lineup and even scored an assist. True, the Sevilla team did not even confront the second division, but the third. But it’s a sin not to congratulate Kerzhakov’s initiative.
In the new year, Seville somehow suddenly lost the game, so pleasing to the eye in the first part of the championship. There is nothing to be surprised at - this team has never fought for the championship title. She may have a variety of problems: the notorious dizziness from success, psychological fatigue (it’s hard to play every match like the last one), and a certain precariousness of the game model.
The composition of Sevilla is specific: on the one hand, there is a replacement for almost everyone, on the other - there are not so many real stars. Right-back Daniel Alves - this time. Championship top scorer Frederic Canute - two. The rest are stars, at best rising. There is no one to pull the team by the hair. Therefore, a recession similar to the present can always be expected. The question is how long this crisis will last. Will coach Juanda Ramos be able to quickly understand what is happening and put things in order?
In such a situation, Kerzhakov is difficult to prove himself - no one will present him goals on a silver platter. On the contrary, many expect the beginner to do something on their own. And the Russian striker is not ready for this yet. In general, it will be difficult for him - and luck will be required, and skill.
In another situation, the loss of eight points in three matches could throw Sevilla out of the championship race. But in the 2006/07 season, everyone is in a fever - not a single team is consistently winning victories. “Barcelona” is clearly not enough motivation - the Catalans loved themselves above all. It is difficult to pretend that the previous season did not exist in nature, that there was neither a victory in the Champions League, nor a second consecutive championship in Spain. In the class, Barca is able to beat many. But she often gives in to super-motivation and attitude. “Espanyol” went to the match with the “blue-garnet” as the last in his life, and the Raikard team played as always, and even worse. If “Barcelona” had suddenly found a real rival in the championship, maybe she would have cheered up. And now - no matter how you play, the situation is still under control, you don’t have to worry much.
Real Madrid is only looking for itself in a new life. By trial and error Fabio Capello is trying to cure the royal club. He did not guess, obviously, with Emerson, refused Ronaldo and Cassano and is now trying new players - Gago and Higuain. Both young Argentines so far make the most favorable impression. Gago greatly helps Diarra in midfield. And Higuain is already claiming leadership in the attack of Real Madrid.
However, the team is still very raw - it is also being built. The progress is obvious, but it is still difficult to fight for the championship for Real Madrid.
And there’s no one more to sweep at the title, except perhaps Valencia. Giving rivals a huge head start, the team of Kike Flores managed to take advantage of their mistakes and again keeps everything in sight. However, there is still no strong faith in Valencia - she does not convince with her game. And also in many respects depends on any side circumstances. The situation with injuries is worse than anywhere else. And that is characteristic - not the first year. It is difficult for such a team to win the championship.
So it turns out that, ceteris paribus, Barcelona is still a favorite. However, this is on paper. But in practice, the championship turns out to be curious - anything can happen. The intrigue is clearly not going to die there.
Kirill DEMENTYEV, "Newspaper"