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Southampton: World Cup Scouted – Aleksandr Golovin

By Chris Hughes

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 14: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia celebrates victory with team mate Denis Cheryshev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 14: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia celebrates victory with team mate Denis Cheryshev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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World Cup Scouted is a new Saints Marching series in which we take a look at a player who has impressed on the big stage and could potentially be a great addition to the Southampton squad.

Last night the 2018 World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion, as fans were treated to a drubbing as the host nation Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0.

However it was more of a case of the latter being extremely poor than it was the Russians being impressive, as Saudi Arabia were toothless throughout and made it easy for the home side to win in a commanding fashion.

However the World Cup is famous for putting players on the map, and perhaps earning them steps up they wouldn’t of otherwise achieved without performing on football’s biggest stage. It isn’t just the European heavyweights who can reap the rewards however, as Southampton should also be scouting hard for potential talent.

Yesterday Russia had a couple of standout players – Denis Cheryshev formerly of Real Madrid got the brace but it was Aleksandr Golovin who has drawn more of the headlines following the curtain-raising win.

Next: Boufal continues to be linked back to France

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 14: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia foules Omar Othman of Saudi Arabia which leads to Aleksandr Golovin receiving a yellow card during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 14: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia foules Omar Othman of Saudi Arabia which leads to Aleksandr Golovin receiving a yellow card during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The young Russian has been linked with the Saints once before, but nothing ever came from the rumour. Now however, the 22-year-old’s stock may sharply rise, especially if he continues to impress in Russia’s other two group stage matches against Egypt and Uruguay.

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Golovin is a pacey and versatile midfielder, capable of playing just about anywhere in the midfield – yesterday he was deployed in a box-to-box role, where he is perhaps best-suited.

Southampton don’t strictly need another midfielder but need to be prepared for the possibility of bringing one in. If Jorginho does leave Napoli for one of Europe’s big boys, and the Italian side can’t bring in Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria, they may well go in for Lemina and that’d leave the Saints needing reinforcement in the middle of the park.

Golovin has been linked with Newcastle and Arsenal too in the past but in order to get first team football and to play with freedom in the midfield, Southampton may actually be the smartest option.

The 22-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap however and may set the club back a good £15-20 million, especially as he’s still tied down for a further three years with Russian side CSKA Moscow – a side who reguarly compete in European football.

However, Golovin remains a player Southampton should keep tabs on – Russia have a great chance of reaching the knockout stages and if so, the young midfielder could really get the chance to show the world what he can do.