World Cup Scout: Russia vs Saudi Arabia - All eyes on Arsenal target

It may be an underwhelming opening to the 2018 World Cup but there are still some players on display when Russia face Saudi Arabia that will be being monitored by scouts from across Europe, with one player in particular set to be in the spotlight.

While Fedor Smolov’s goals will be crucial to the host nation securing safe passage from Group A and will be under a watchful eye, Aleksandr Golovin is the man on show that will be aiming to impress some high profile clubs this summer.

The CSKA Moscow playmaker has attracted interest from some of the top names on the continent already this season and will see a World Cup in his home nation as the ideal platform to secure a move. Indeed, the 22-year-old is one of very few Russian players at present on the radar of teams from abroad.

Among those rumoured to be interested are Premier League pair Arsenal and Manchester United, while Barcelona and Juventus have also been linked with the young midfielder.

It’s the Italian champions that have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue in the run up to the tournament, with a €20m deal believed to be in the pipeline.

Golovin should start with something of a free role on Thursday in Russia’s 4-1-4-1 formation and will be key to his nation this suffer as the most technically gifted player in the line-up.

He was often targeted in the Russian Premier League last season due to an ability that stands out among the current generation in the country and was fouled 67 times - only one player was felled more.

The youngster also ranked second for dribbles per game (1.8), scored five goals and has a good shot from distance, so he’s the one player that Saudi Arabia will need to keep in check in order to spring an upset.