Sardar AZMOUN

Fifth in last season’s player of the year ballot, the Iranian striker is one of the most impressive individuals in the Russian Premier League.

An explosive package of aerial ability, muscle, great touch and out-of-the-box thinking, the 21-yearold does not have countless opportunities to shine in his club’s ultra-cautious, counter-attacking blueprint, but is sufficiently smart and opportunistic to make it work.

On the scoresheet in qualifying victories over Anderlecht and Ajax, the son of a prominent volleyball player began his career with Iranian side Sepahan before heading to Russia early in 2013

to join Rubin Kazan.