Name: Jano Ananidze
Club: Spartak Moscow
Nationality: Georgian
Position: Attacking midfielder
Who is he?
Georgia does not have a great pedigree for producing world class talent since it gained independence in the 1990s. But the former Soviet state which borders the Black Sea (and was also the birthplace of Josef Stalin) is probably best known in footballing terms for producing ex-AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze and former Manchester City and Derby County playmaker Georgi Kinkladze. But the nation of 4.5 million people has reason to be excited about Spartak Moscow youngster Jano Ananidze.
Achievements
After starring in the youth ranks of Georgia’s most famous club Dinamo Tbilisi aged 13, Ananidze moved abroad to Ukraine’s Dinamo Kiev where he spent a further two years making a positive impact. But he was on the move again this time to Russian Premier League giants Spartak Moscow. The 20-year-old scored on his club debut back in July 2009 in the Russian Cup, which paved the way for a regular spot in the senior squad. In October 2009 he became the Russian league’s youngest ever goalscorer aged just 17 years and eight days.
He has also represented his country at every level, winning his first senior cap in 2009 against Italy. The youngster has already accumulated 18 caps for Georgia, scoring twice.
Attributes
Georgia were drawn against France and Spain in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and it is a mark of Ananidze’s impact that Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Iker Casillas picked him out as their danger man. His team-mate, Ireland winger Aiden McGeady will also have seen him at even closer quarters.
Ananidze is a classic attacking midfielder. Diminutive at 1m70, he has a low centre of gravity and quick feet which helps him to dribble past opponents while he has an eye for a killer pass. His intelligence and composure has drawn comparisons to Croatia and Real Madrid star Luka Modric. Like the former Tottenham playmaker he is more of a creator than a prolific goalscorer from midfield, although he can find the net (as you can see below).
Potential
Unsurprisingly he has been linked with clubs in Western Europe like Arsenal and Liverpool. He has the quality to play for either team. But the Russian league is not a selling league, as it is cash rich so Spartak Moscow are under no pressure to part with one of the jewels of their team without adequate compensation around the €25 million mark.
