Is Aleksandr Golovin “The Iniesta” of Ligue 1?

Receiving offers from big European clubs at a young age is a great recognition, especially when you’re from Russia and you get the opportunity to prove that your country can produce great talents too. This is the case of Aleksandr Golovin. Getting all the attention after an astonishing performance at the World Cup he caught the eye of clubs all over the top five European leagues. There were Chelsea, Arsenal, Juventus and Monaco who were pleased by his performance and wanted to sign him. It looked like The Blues were the favourite for his signature, but a late turnover got him wearing Monaco’s shirt.

That’s how his Ligue 1 career started. And it has been pretty impressive so far. The 22-year-old is getting the most out of his transfer move, although his team is experiencing some turbulence.

Is he the new Ligue 1 diamond or Monacо‘s performance is about to push him in the dust and stop his shining light?

Style of play

Golovin is a complex player with a mix of great skills that get him under the spotlight in every game. Despite his midfield role, his attacking abilities are outrageous and his creativity is hard to be tamed by any Ligue 1 team. The 22-year-old is great at dribbling and passing and often leaves the defenders with mouths wide open, unable to stop him. His set-piece skills are causing trouble to every team he conquers as he is always ready to assist or score on his own.

The Russian likes to play short passes, but his best quality is his positioning and the way he runs the ball thanks to his technique and pace as he manages to do 2.8 progressive runs per 90 minutes. It is known that his style of play is influenced by his favourite player Andres Iniesta, and it could be noticed in his rapid shift of the ball from left to right foot or vice versa.