Global Russians. Roman Pavlyuchenko

Moving on with the resume of the European season Sports.ru turns to yet another Russian footballer playing abroad. This time in the third episode of the Global Russians series it’s Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko whose name is chanted by English fans even when he plays poorly. Roman Mun has asked English journalists Paul Doyle (Guardian), Olly Irish (ITV.com) and Jon Carter (ESPN Soccernet) about their opinion on Pavlyuchenko in the past season and his future prospects at Tottenham, as well as recollected what the major London newspapers had been saying about Roman.

What do you think of his performance in this season?

Paul Doyle: This has been a bad season for Spurs strikers and it would be no surprise if they were all replaced (Crouch, Pav, Defoe and Keane) in the summer. Pavlyuchenko scored more goals than any of them and he likes to be more involved in the play than Crouch. But that sometimes means he takes up the space occupied by Van der Vaart, rather than heading the ball down to VDV, which is the one thing that Crouch did well all season.

Ollie Irish: As a Tottenham fan, I can say he has disappointed me, but that’s more because he hasn’t been given enough chances by manager Harry Redknapp to show his quality.

Jon Carter: Pav has made more of an impact than Arshavin and has been unlucky not to start more games for Spurs. His two goals that sent Birmingham down were an insight into his abilities.

What is the opinion of the club’s fans about him?

Paul Doyle: Many months fans were mystified why Crouch regularly started instead of Pavlyuchenko. But often when Pav started matches he did not take his opportunities, especially in away matches.

Ollie Irish: Most fans really like him. ‘Super Pav’ is a cult figure, whose name is chanted even when he plays badly.

Jon Carter: Pav, I think, commands a little more respect than Arshavin from the fact he tries hard and has scored some sublime goals this season.

How is his English? Does he give interviews to local media?

Paul Doyle: Just like Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko rarely does interviews in English, so he is not well known by media or public. But I’ve heard him say ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you?’ to Tottenham staff so he knows at least a few words!

Ollie Irish: He has no persona away from the pitch. His English is not very good, which explains why he is reluctant to speak to our journalists.

Jon Carter: Not sure about Pav. I’d say Arshavin’s website is one of the funniest things around, but he could improve his English.

Does he have a future at Tottenham?

Paul Doyle: Probably not. Spurs will certainly buy at least one targetman-type striker in the summer, to link up with Van der Vaart. Pav will not enjoy being mainly a substitute and is still considered good enough for some club to pay good money for him: so I think he will leave.

Ollie Irish: I think that’s up to Pav and his agent. I suspect he is actively seeking a move this summer, but wouldn’t be shocked if he stays. His excellent performance against Birmingham on the last day of the season might persuade Redknapp to keep him.

Jon Carter: Pav’s future could depend on Defoe, but I think he will be looking to leave if he is not guaranteed more games. A side like Villa. Even Liverpool or Everton, could get a lot out of him.

September

Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko rejected a move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day after a last-minute bid from Roy Hodgson, it has emerged. Hodgson made attempts to sign several top-rated strikers on the final day of the summer transfer window – including England striker Bobby Zamora, who played under him at Fulham, and West Ham’s Carlton Cole. (…) Despite Spurs’ embarrassment of riches up front (…) Redknapp was not keen to sell. The Russian also expressed his desire to stay at White Hart Lane, where he will be involved in the Champions League, rather than join Liverpool for a Europa League campaign. Metro.

December

Roman Pavlyuchenko is in talks over signing a new contract at Tottenham, according to the Russia striker’s agent. Oleg Artemov claims Spurs are attempting to tie Pavlyuchenko down to a new deal less than a year after he looked certain to leave White Hart Lane. Birmingham came close to landing the forward in January but could not agree a fee with Tottenham. Pavlyuchenko, who turns 29 a week today, was also linked with a return to Russia but ended up playing a key role in securing Spurs’ highest ever Barclays Premier League finish of fourth. The Guardian.

April

The supporters who refer to him simply as ‘Super Pav’ will be relieved that Redknapp ignored him [when he asked to be sold or loaned – Sports.ru]. So will Redknapp given how significant a contribution the Russian international striker, 28, has made these past few weeks.Eight goals in a month that has seen him feature far more prominently in his manager’s plans. Not that he seems that appreciative. When asked how he enjoys working with one of the game’s great characters, not to mention a brilliant man-manager, the response is as cold as a Moscow winter. The Daily Mail.

May

Roman Pavlyuchenko says he wants to stay at Tottenham despite his concerns about a lack of first-team starts under manager Harry Redknapp. Pavlyuchenko scored 14 goals last term, making him the club’s second-highest goalscorer, but was regularly overlooked throughout the campaign, with Rafael van der Vaart and Peter Crouch being Redknapp’s first-choice pairing. (…) Redknapp admitted after the striker scored both goals in Sunday’s 2-1 over Birmingham that he was enamoured with Pavlyuchenko’s talent, but equally frustrated with his lackadaisical attitude. The 64-year-old maintains he has a good relationship with Pavlyuchenko but the Russian admits he is frustrated about not playing every week. London Evening Standard