The Russian Premier League is widely regarded as a highly competitive league, and Spartak Moscow defender Mienti Abena adds credibility to that view with his latest remarks. He described the RPL as a battleground where every match is a real test and where teams experience both high points and low ones. Abena noted that Spartak’s opponents do not shy away from an attacking style when facing top clubs. He also contrasted it with the Hungarian Championship, where some teams prefer to wait for opportunities rather than seize the initiative. In Russia, he observed, the drive to win creates fast-paced, proactive football, and players relish the challenge of competing at this level.
“The RPL has a very good level of football. All games are very difficult. Every team has its ups and downs. Spartak’s opponents are not afraid to play football against teams like Spartak. In the Hungarian Championship, teams sometimes wait for their chance and are afraid to take the initiative. Here everyone wants to win. It’s great to play such football”, Abena stated.
Abena’s career path reflects a wide-ranging experience across European football. He has previously worn the colors of Utrecht and De Graafschap in the Netherlands, spent time with Spartak Trnava, and played for Slovan in Slovakia. In Hungary he featured for Ferencváros, working under the guidance of former Russia national team head coach Stanislav Cherchesov and later under Dejan Stankovic, who now coaches Spartak. That mix of leagues and coaches has helped him develop a versatile understanding of different tactical approaches and styles of play, which he brings to his current role with Spartak.
In the present RPL campaign, Spartak has collected 15 points after eight rounds and sits in fifth place, five points behind leaders Zenit. The team is preparing for a home derby against Dynamo Moscow in the ninth round. The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, with a kickoff at 16:30 Moscow time. The fixture underscores the season’s competitiveness and the desire within the squad to climb the table as the campaign unfolds.
Earlier, Abena spoke about his impressions of Russia, noting that he was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and warmth he encountered. The positive experiences off the pitch have contributed to his comfort while adjusting to life in Moscow and integrating into a squad that relies on collective effort and resilience in demanding league battles.
With a background spanning several European leagues and a current surge of form for Spartak, Abena embodies the blend of technique, physicality, and determination that characterizes modern defenders. As the season moves forward, observers can expect a solid defensive presence from him, paired with occasional forward-minded contributions as opportunities arise. The team’s continued performance in the RPL will hinge on how well this diverse experience translates into domestic success and how effectively Spartak leverages its depth to challenge the league’s frontrunners.