Football Friends Online – When 90 Mins Is Not EnoughIf you liked Modric, you will love this rising teenager - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough If you liked Modric, you will love this rising teenager - Football Friends Online - When 90 Mins Is Not Enough

If you liked Modric, you will love this rising teenager

There is something a little special about Jano Ananidze. Never heard of him? He could be soon heading to a Premier League club near you…

 

First of all perhaps comparing Ananidze with Modric in the title was a little unfair. However the similarities between the pair are very obvious to see. Ananidze stands at 5 ft 7 in and a similar small build to the current Real Madrid playmaker. He uses his incredible vision and reading of the game to play the perfect pass at the perfect time to compensate for a lack of physical presence. At only 19 years of age, the 15 time capped Georgian international is already a prominent member of Spartak Moscow’s first team. He also boasts the record of becoming the youngest player ever to score in the Russian Premier League, a week after turning 17.

 

Ananidze’s talents has already attracted the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs and was reportedly scouted by both Arsenal and Liverpool. Despite such intense attention and speculation the club insisted they will not even consider cashing in on such a talented player until he is in his 20’s. The door for the Georgian dynamo seems very much open for a switch to England in the coming years where he will no doubt command a considerable fee.

 

It’s not only the clubs that has been impressed by the talents of Ananidze as Iker Casillas this month singled out the youngster as one of Georgia’s key players ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier. Such plaudits from such a respected member of a successful Real Madrid side serves as the perfect compliment not only to Ananidze’s current ability but also the huge potential he possesses.

 

His record breaking career follows suit on the international stage as he became the youngest ever Georgian international at the age of 17 in a World Cup qualifier against Italy no less. His goals tally for his nation stands at two after hitting the net against both Slovenia and Moldova, both in friendlies. The sad fact of the matter is that the Russian Premier League star will not be allowed to showcase his vast array of talents at the grandest stage of World football. However he will improve the quality of the Georgian national side to the extent which teams will have to sit up and take notice or suffer an embarrassing defeat against the side currently ranked 86th in the world.

 

With the recent heavy investment of the likes of FC Anzhi Makhachkala and Zenit St. Petersburg it would not be stupid to suggest the teenager might be tempted to remain in Russia in the prime of his career especially if Russian teams begin to make waves in European competitions. After Spartak’s second place finish during the 2009 campaign it might be tempting to jump ship to a rising Russian superpower and take down a first career title. With Neymar remaining in Brazil after the development and investment into the domestic league it would not be impossible for Ananidze to consider the same course of action.

 

Overall Ananidze would be a huge coup for any team seeking a dynamic and talented playmaker in the mould of Luka Modric. After already making his début in the Champions League there would surely be no reason why Ananidze could not perform in one of Europe’s biggest clubs. If Spartak were to go on and win silverware in the coming season this will not only serve to boost his reputation but also his confidence.

 

If and when Ananidze does eventually set the Premier League alight remember you heard it here first…

 

Tomos Llewellyn

 

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