PORTUGAL: OVCHINNIKOV AND ALENITCHEV REVOLUTIONISE FC PORTO

The two Russians playing for FC Porto this season have revolutionised the club’s football, which is a welcome development for the club after last season…the first in which FC Porto did not win the league for six years. Ovchinnikov has brought a stability to FC Porto’s goal which was absent since the departure of Victor Baia to Barcelona and subsequently, since his return to FC Porto, his injury which should put him out of active football until the end of the season. Ovchinnikov gives total confidence to FC Porto’s defence and commands his area with an authority which is second to none. Alenitchev has brought a new dynamism and imagination to FC Porto’s midfield this season. One could even say that when he does not play, the Porto attack lacks direction. With Alenitchev, the attack has enough quantity and variety of ammunition to wear down any defence. Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey Pravda.Ru Lisbon