Pedro ROCHA

SPARTAK MOSCOW

Reigning Russian champions Spartak will be heavily reliant on wing play this term, with the flying Dutchman Quincy Promes on the right and their € 12million Brazilian purchase from Gremio on the opposite flank. Russian football insiders have suggested that the Gremio player Spartak really wanted was striker Luan, and that the 23-year-old winger was only snapped up in a consolation prize. What is undeniable, however, is his lightening pace and trickery, with some seeing glimpses of Robinho in his style. He still has a few faults to iron out, not least his tendency to snatch at chances and to stray offside. This year he saved his best Gremio performances for the Libertadores Cup and was particularly impressive when scoring twice in a round-of-16 victory over Argentinian side Godoy Cruz.