If only in Paris
Nothing until the Olympics, of course, the place of the Russian team was taken by someone else. The head coach of our team, Konstantin Bryansky, said in a recent interview, that I would see Russia as the favorite of the tournament in Paris, which is understandable.
But here's the thing: the longer the international isolation lasts, the more difficult it is to talk with confidence about the place of the Russian national team in world volleyball. Just because, that these arguments are in no way confirmed by practice, games, victories. We can confidently say, that our team would really be among the favorites, but that's where exactly?
so, let's close our eyes: ours in Paris. Who could it be?
Bryansky has already outlined the approximate composition: Pankow, Mikhailov, Volkov, Semyshev, Bogdan, Lyzik, Kurkaev, Vlasov, Fedorov. That is, the starting lineup is more or less clear, questions only about rotation in the final game and in the center.
What are these players capable of?? for example, Pankov has everything, in addition to proven stability at the highest international level. That is, there is just not enough Olympic experience. At Mikhailov's, vice versa, enormous experience and skill, but age makes itself felt: Could Maxim maintain the level throughout the entire tournament?? And if you give him a break, who will?
Poletaev seems to have recovered, but haven't actually played for two years. And who is behind them?? Babkevich played for Belarus. Next - Novosibirsk shoots: Klets, Kazachenkov, Ant, Sapozhkov. Which of them can compete in the Olympic Games?? None of them are one hundred percent ready., in perspective - yes. But this prospect must be played out now, since Mikhailov is not eternal, and Poletaev is unpredictable in terms of health.
That is, we have a slight subsidence in the diagonal. What about the link??
Pankow, Glory to God, not without alternative. There is Poroshin, there is a virtual one, not injured Kovalev, Abaev. injuries, experience - in any case, we will not block world leaders in this position, well, if we can stay in line.
In the final game, Bryansky’s passion for Dynamo is clear, and based on their performance, Semyshev and Bogdan deserved a place in the team. Another thing, that an almost ideal pairing with Volkov was made by Klyuka of the Tokyo 2020 model, but... We don’t currently have a powerful world-class attacking finisher, although the same Labinsky claims, Yes, and Pakshin can be considered a candidate. Tetyukhin was left out, Dinekin, Voronkov... It seems like there is a choice, but ready for battle here and now, except Volkov, difficult to name.
Where everything is alright, so it's in the center. Lyzik, Kurkaev and Vlasov can close the position without any problems. But behind them, if anything, or veterans like Volvich, or talented, but still very young people like Zabolotnikov.
Fedorov is an excellent libero, capable of filling this position in the national team for a long time, and he seems to have competition. But the main competitors in the person of Baranov and Melkozerov do not play so much in clubs.
The bottom line is that here and now the Russian team could fight for medals in Paris. I would call the Poles the clear favorite, but every clear favorite has an Achilles heel. In this case, the psychological burden of high expectations. Французы как хозяева будут крайне опасны в любом сочетании (and in this, by the way, их главная опасность), итальянцы могут выдать высокий уровень стабильности. Перспективы американцев зависят от состояния лидеров, читай «сказочного» дуэта Кристенсона и Андерсона. Японцы со словенцами способны на сенсации, но пройти весь путь без поражений им будет крайне непросто.
Так что мы бы могли быть в призерах Олимпиады этим летом в Париже. При этом у нас есть если не проблемные позиции, то узкие места. И время работает явно против: если ничего не изменится, через четыре года все будет гораздо хуже.
