Alexander Golovin is the best Russian footballer right now. Only he is in demand in Europe and shows a fairly high level of play. The midfielder recently extended his contract with Monaco, although many would like to see him somewhere in England or Germany. Yesterday Golovin set a personal record for goals in the season with the Monegasques and became the most expensive domestic player according to Transfermarkt. Time to think?
They plugged holes Golovin came to Monaco at the time of perestroika — the old stars left the club and the newcomers had to replace them. It turned out badly: the team crashed into the second half of the table. As a result, for two seasons the club simply came to its senses and did not even fight for getting into the European competition.
Alexander himself was also unstable. Injuries (in just four seasons he missed more than forty matches), adaptation to a new level of play, frequent changes in coaches and game models did not contribute to his development. Periodically, he flared up, but then again faded into the background and could not become one of the leaders of the team.
Interfered with the constant change of position. In the early seasons, he played in his usual position in the center of midfield, but was not bright enough and brought little use in attack. The coaches began to move him forward, but then his universalism played against Golovin. He could play as he liked in the attack group, so the Russians began to plug holes. Golovin was used either as an attacking midfielder, or as a right winger, or as a left, or as an insider. A couple of times even went to the position of the attacker. It was difficult to open up in such a situation.
How Golovin plays now But with the arrival of Philip Klement as head coach, the situation has changed. He secured Golovin's position at left midfield, and the Russian pays the coach in full for his trust — with seven assists, he is among the top five assistants in the championship. Add to this seven goals, the second place in the team in terms of the number of shots and key passes — and here we have one of the leaders of Monaco.
Clement chose the ideal role for Golovin. Oleksandr does not act like a classic winger who often dribbles, moves to the center with a shot or crosses into the box. He is initially located closer to the center, leaving space on the flank for the attacks-oriented defender Enrique to connect. Golovin himself is actively involved in the rally of the ball, he is able to aggravate more often, since he usually receives the ball in more dangerous positions. From the center or the left half-flank, he can both lead partners to the goal and complete attacks himself. Hence such a jump in performance.
At the same time, Golovin's defensive qualities are also used to the fullest. The Russian is used to working out in defense and is never too lazy to go back. He often goes to fight and is in the top five of the team in terms of the number of tackles and fouls. In defense, Golovin is also often located closer to the center and actually plays the role of an additional central midfielder. His activity in defense brings «Monaco» no less useful than his attacking skills.
Should Golovin leave? The extension of the contract with Golovin speaks of the desire of «Monaco» to keep the leader of the team. But we can not exclude his transition to the championship and the club is stronger. The new agreement is valid for another three years, which means that Alexander has no desire to spend his entire career in France.
But “Monaco” will certainly ask for a lot of money for the Russian. He went to the club for 30 million euros, and most likely the French will not let him go for less money. And not everyone can afford this amount. For second-tier clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany, like Atlético and Borussia Dortmund, this is a lot of money, which pays only for future team leaders. Are they ready to spend that much on Golovin? There is also the English Premier League, where everyone can afford such a purchase. But the competition, pace and level of play in England is much higher.
Universalism and a diverse set of qualities make Alexander a very useful player. And in Borussia with Atlético, and in any Italian team, and in the clubs of the second tier of the Premier League, he could become a good role player. Everyone will need a football player who can play well in any position in the middle of the field and in attack. But does Golovin need this? To leave the leadership position at Monaco for another club to plug holes again, as in the early years in France?
Perhaps it is better for Alexander to stay at the current club for now. Spend another season at Monaco, establish himself as a team leader. And then move on. And during the transition, be very careful, look for a club and a coach who will be able to correctly use the best qualities of Golovin. After all, in France it took almost four years.
Poll Is it time for Golovin to leave Monaco?
There is no point. Monaco and Ligue 1 — his level67.5%Better to play for the average Premier League than Monaco10.2%You have to cling to any offer from a top club22.3 %VoteVoted:305April 17, 13:05