Page last updated at 17:51 GMT, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:51 UK
Pat Nevin on the role of Yuri Zhirkov
Along with Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko, this guy is Russia's other outstanding player, a cut above the rest. He's got so much energy - he must use rocket fuel!
Against Sweden, the first time he touched the ball was on the left wing, he beat a man and got a cross in and the second time, he was on the right having a shot. I thought 'where on earth is he playing?'
He has the energy to play everywhere and his teammates are clever enough to cover.
That is down to the tactical genius of coach Guus Hiddink. The Russian midfield and attack is possibly the nearest thing we've seen to Total Football for a while, too.
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