Roman Pavlyuchenko
Tottenham and Russia striker, Pavlyuchenko believes that he is quite capable of performing at the big stage and feels that he still has it in him.
The Spurs striker had a heroic match-up against Armenia in the Euro-Qualifiers as he netted a hat-trick proving his worth to both, country and club. The striker was the shining star in Russia’s 3-1 victory against Armenia in European Qualifiers as he made the most of the opportunity handed to him due to the absence of injured, Aleksandr Kerzhakov.
The Spurs striker has been in and out of the team for both club and country but states that he has been able to prove his worth after scoring a hat-trick for his country.
He said “I was given a chance today and I took it. I proved to everyone – professionals, journalists – that I still have it. I did not lose heart but I worked and I stepped up.”
“I also showed what I am not – poor and lazy. I scored goals and brought the team the three points.”
It is the first hat-trick that the striker has netted for his country. Last time he scored a treble was against Rubin Kazan during his Spartak Moscow days. The Russian’s hat-trick ensured a comprehensive victory for his team, winning the match from a goal behind.
He stated “We did not expect Armenia to score the first goal but they have a good team. They hit us on the counter attack. Maybe that is the way it was meant to be – to concede and then score three and go on to win.”
Like Tottenham, the striker has been unable to find a place in Russia’s squad, being unable to perform when given an opportunity on numerous occasions. The striker has been out of favour for the national team choice but Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s injury gave him the opportunity to prove himself and he accepted it in great fashion, scoring a hat-trick.
He further added “It is difficult to say if I would have played anyway or not. I was in a good mood before the game. I was eager to play and score. All three goals were as memorable as each other.”
The Hat-trick might just prove to be the turning twist in Russian’s career and might just get back with his usual goal scoring nature which may just get him a permanent place for his country and club.
Tags: English Premier League, EPL, Football, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Soccer, Spurs, Striker, Tottenham Hotspur
