Kovalenko can impose competition on the Brazilian midfielders of Zenit, Tarkhanov believes

The former head coach of CSKA and Ural, Alexander Tarkhanov, appreciated the transition of 19-year-old Sochi midfielder Alexander Kovalenko to Zenit.

Kovalenko signed a contract with the St. Petersburg club until the summer of 2028. Last season, the midfielder played on loan for Wings of the Soviets, played in 30 matches, scored two goals and made three assists.

— Kovalenko is a good footballer. The only thing youth can affect. And so he looked good in Wings of the Soviets. They watched him for so much time to take.

– It is difficult to imagine that Kovalenko ousted Claudinho or Wendel from Zenit?

– I think that if he is trusted, he can compete. Kovalenko is a reasonable guy. No one will concede in mobility. Quite technical, understands situations. Only until it has bombarding qualities. But it’s hard to guess. Still, “Wings” is “Wings”, and “Zenith” is “Zenith”. If anything, they will probably give Kovalenko on loan, also to a good club.

– You will not be offended if Kovalenko repeats the fate of Bakaev, who came to Zenit and actually did not play for a year?

– They are a little different. I think that Kovalenko is more promising. First, he plays in a different position. And Bakaev has Malcolm on the one hand, Claudinho on the other. Therefore, it was probably difficult for him to compete, ”RB Sport” quotes Tarkhanov.