Almost all of them are at the beginning of their careers.

Alan Dzagoev has long disappeared from the front pages of football portals. If you ask a neutral fan what Dzagoev has done in recent years, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to say for sure. A new wave of talk about the footballer, who was once considered one of the most talented players of the 21st century in Russia, and was also of interest to the giants of European football, arose only now when Alan announced that he would retire from his career. At the same time, we learned that Dzagoev had a contract with Lamia from Greece. It was his press service that reported that the parties have decided to terminate the agreement.

Dzagoev cited injury-related fatigue as the reason for ending his career. It was they who constantly hindered his development and played a key role in the football path of a talented player. But today we will not remember these negative pages. It is better to remind yourself once again with which matches Dzagoev gained popularity and status.

CSKA – “Khimki” – 4:3 (Russian Championship 2008)

This match is notable because it was the first in which the 17-year-old Dzagoev appeared in the starting lineup. And only the second in his career to wear a T-shirt CSKA. From the first minutes Alan gave his all and already in the first half he made two assists, also scoring on a pass from Vagner Love, with whom Dzagoev immediately developed footballing “alchemy”. Even then, with her maturity beyond his age, he attracted attention.

Germany – Russia – 2:1 (qualifying tournament world Cup-2010)

In that match Dzagoev failed to score. But this was his debut match for the national team, for which Alan played 58 matches and scored nine goals in his career. But even without scoring a goal, the main impression of that match was the football of the young man, who also broke Vladimir Beschastnykh’s record, becoming the youngest footballer in the history of the national team. When he entered the field he was 18 years and 116 days old. This match is also considered one of the most offensive of Dzagoev’s career. Alan often thought of him. Russia immediately conceded two goals, but then insisted, Arshavin recovered a goal, Guus Hiddink’s team still had chances and Dzagoev missed the most precious goal, hitting the post. As the young midfielder later complained. But he received the most flattering reviews.

Russia – Czech Republic – 4:1 (European Championship 2012)

Since we have already mentioned the matches of the national team, we will probably call this match the brightest in Dzagoev’s career in the national team shirt. By this time, Alan was already considered one of the most talented football players of his generation, the greats looked up to him, and Dzagoev flew on the wings of inspiration. The Czechs had to suffer for this. Alan scored a brace against Petr Cech. The start of the European Championship by the Russians was exciting, then there was the draw with Poland, where Dzagoev also scored. But the team will not leave the group.

CSKA – Sporting – 3:1 (Champions League qualification 2015/16)

If we talk about Alan’s best matches, let’s find out his opinion. In one of his interviews, Dzagoev called this the most memorable match of his career. Although he himself had more effective fights. In this case he scored an assist for Ahmed Musa. But more important are the emotions that the match provided. Reaching the Champions League group stage was a struggle. And in the first half Sporting took the lead. But CSKA managed to show brilliant football in the second half and turn the situation around, breaking into the group thanks to the aggregate victory over Sporting with the score 4:3. It’s kind of an ending. That’s why Alan remembered the emotions.

“Ruby” – CSKA – 0:1 (Russian Championship 2015/16)

Although there was another end in Dzagoev’s career. This is the end of the Russian championship in 2016. Then Leonid Slutsky’s “army men” competed with “Rostov” for the world title until the last round. To get it CSKA a victory over Rubin was needed in Kazan. And the Muscovites succeeded thanks to the only goal of the first half. Alan Dzagoev scored.

“Spartak” – CSKA – 1:5 (Russian Championship 2008)

Let’s go back to the beginning of Dzagoev’s career. Matches with Spartak are always something special for the army team. And a fight that ends with a score like that will definitely go down in history. This match is also notable for the revelation of Alan, for whom he was only the second starter CSKA. Of course, the main star of that match was Vagner Love, who scored a hat-trick. However, the youngster from Beslan also impressed. He made two assists and a pre-goal, serving a free kick for a discounted goal. Interestingly, after that match Milos Krasic, assisted by Alan, noticed the talent of the young man and predicted a career for him at Manchester United.

“Manchester United” – CSKA – 3:3 (Champions League 2009/10)

Let’s talk about Manchester United. Dzagoev played one of his best matches against him in the European Cup arena. It was at Old Trafford and the young midfielder shone next to Igor Akinfeev. Alan himself scored and provided an assist, and in the 84th minute the army team was leading 3:1. But they still missed out on victory. This did not prevent Dzagoev and Akinfeev from receiving powerful European press. After all, thanks to their efforts, the modest club almost faced the Champions League finalist. Perhaps, at that time, Alan and Igor were the closest to moving to Europe, and the midfielder had an excellent relationship with Leonid Slutsky.

CSKA – Deportivo – 3:0 (Cup of UEFA-2008/09)

And the first serious talks about interest in Russian talents appeared after this European Cup match, the most effective for Dzagoev from a statistical point of view. 18-year-old Alan scored a brace in the 12th minute, scoring one of the goals with a direct free kick. Then everyone was sure that Dzagoev would have a brilliant career in one of the best European clubs. But at a certain point something went wrong. Mainly, obviously, injuries occurred. And 15 years later, we are forced to admit that, despite the bright episodes, Dzagoev will forever remain that footballer who could certainly have done much more than what he did. Now we are waiting for him as a coach somewhere CSKA.