Ever since breaking into the CSKA Moscow first-team as a 17-year-old back in 2008, Georgi Schennikov has quickly established himself as one of the finest fullbacks in not just Russia, but Europe as well. After five years and making over 100 appearances for the Russian club, it looks like the left back is finally ready to move away to a big European club. Still only 23, the Russian has attracted interest from Chelsea, who are in search of a left back to fill the void left by Ashley Cole. So, why is Chelsea interested in this 23-year-old left back? Is he what they need right now?
Career history
Born in Moscow in 1991 to an Olympic race walker Mikhail Shchennikov, it is easy to see where Georgi gets his athletic traits from. Although his father was a race walker, football was Georgi’s first love and he promptly made his way to CSKA Moscow’s youth setup where he impressed one and all with his skills. He was so good, that he made his debut for the club aged just 17, in a UEFA Cup game, before even playing a league game.
Since then, he has slowly but surely established himself as the first-choice left back for CSKA, for whom he has made over 120 appearances in the last four seasons. He was a part of the Russia U-21 side and played 19 games for them, before making his senior debut on 15 August 2012 in a friendly against Côte d’Ivoire. He is also a part of the Russian World Cup squad that is taking part in Brazil.
Style of Play
Georgi is a left full back by trade, but his increasingly productive forays forward means that he is also adept at playing as a wing back. Standing at 5’10, the full back is well built for the physical game too, but it is technical side of it, that he shines through in. The 23-year-old Russian is your archetypal modern full back, who loves to go forward and join in on the attack. His productivity in attack is pretty good and his discipline while defending is also another feature of his game. Having established himself as the first-choice left back as a teenager, he is well versed with the pressure that comes it and so far, he has handled himself impeccably.
Strengths
One of Schennikov’s biggest strengths is his ability on the ball. While there is no doubt that he is tactically strong on his defensive game, it is his offensive ability that puts him a cut above the rest. While there are lot of fullbacks that bomb on and go forward these days, there aren’t that many who can cross and have the passing range that the 23-year-old Russian has. His ability to provide telling through balls in attack, is something that playmakers would be proud of.
Not only is he good going forward, he is no mug in defence as well. Capable of taking care of himself and shutting down tricky wingers, Georgi has the tactical nous to play as a more defensive option as well, if the situation demands it. Although he was easily beaten to the ball early on in his career, that is something that he has worked on a lot and it shows.
Weaknesses
Although the left back has no real weakness in terms of his ability on the pitch, how he will adapt to life away from home, is the biggest question. Having snubbed offers to leave, when he was a teenager, any move abroad will be his first and there is no way of knowing how he will take it. As good as he is, much of his good work was done in the Russian Premier League, which is by no means a premier competition. Although he has played sporadically in Europe, he hasn’t shown enough to justify all the hype come out of Russia. Any club that sign him will be taking a huge gamble, and it is a matter of whether they want to do that, or not.
Possible destinations
With Ashley Cole gone and Azplicueta looking to return to his favoured right back position, Chelsea are short of cover in the left back area and have recently been linked with him. Although he is not a regular for the senior national side, he is a part of the World Cup squad. If he gets his chance and impresses, that will only increase the numbers of teams that will be looking to sign him.
Verdict
Having just signed a new contract with CSKA, Schennikov will be a little costly. But, when compared to the Blues’ other target, Shaw, he is a bargain. Quick, talented and possessing all the quintessential qualities needed to become a top-quality full back, the 23-year-old Russian would be a perfect fit for any top club. Having refused offers to leave, as a teenager, the Russian fullback might see now as the perfect time to leave Russia and with a good World Cup, the number of clubs interested in him is only bound to rise.