One goal and two assists for Russia against Saudi Arabia made Aleksandr Golovin many people’s Man of the Match on Thursday as the World Cup kicked off.
The performance from Russia hadn’t been expected and there was more talk of a Saudi win than Russia thrashing the visitors 5-0.
Golovin’s ability was already known by many but he produced when it counts and that certainly caught the eye of football fans around the world.
Newcastle United and Southampton had already noticed, according to what a Russian agent said in April.
Alexander Manyakov was quoted as saying about the CSKA Moscow player: “He needs to leave. As far as I know, there are offers from Premier League clubs but not from the Top 6. I know that Southampton and Newcastle are showing an interest but he has a contract with CSKA.”
At the time it was stated CSKA Moscow would be hoping to get €20m for the 22 year old if they’re to sell him this summer, and the World Cup was mentioned as a factor in that.
Golovin has certainly started the tournament well, which can only be good for CSKA’s hopes.
