The Cypriot club Aris and the idea of Alexander Kokorin returning to Russia’s national team
The head coach of Cypriot side Aris, Alexei Shpilevsky, recently discussed the possibility of Alexander Kokorin earning a call from the Russian national team. The remarks were shared with Metaratings.ru, offering insight into the player’s current form and potential future with Russia’s national squad.
Shpilevsky was clear about Kokorin’s present condition. He stated that Kokorin is in excellent shape and that the striker has a strong affinity for the team and the style of play employed by Aris. The coach noted that Kokorin is no longer a young upstart and emphasized that the decision to return to the national team is not simply about age but about readiness and motivation. According to Shpilevsky, Kokorin has earned consideration due to his performance and the impact he can have on the national team when the moment is right. The coach added that Kokorin deserves a place in the national team, reflecting the forward’s achievements and continued contributions on the field.
Kokorin’s club career has seen him travel across Russia and Europe. He left Spartak Moscow in 2021 to join Fiorentina, marking another chapter in a career that already included notable spells with Zenit, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi. Throughout his time in Russia, Kokorin established himself as a prolific forward, known for his speed, technique, and eye for goal. His move to Fiorentina opened a new horizon in Italian football, while his earlier stints in domestic clubs helped shape his reputation as a versatile striker capable of adapting to different leagues and styles of play.
With Aris in Cyprus, Kokorin signed last summer, bringing experience and an elevated level of competition to the squad. His contract runs through the summer of 2023, and this season he has been involved in 21 matches across all competitions. In those appearances he has contributed four assists and ten goals, underscoring his ability to influence games and support his teammates in attack. The season has been marked by consistent involvement and the occasional decisive moment that demonstrates Kokorin’s enduring threat in the final third.
Recent results have shown that Kokorin can be a decisive factor for Aris in the Cyprus First Division. In the lead-up to crucial fixtures and potential transfers, his performances have provided a platform for the team to compete at a higher level within the league. Kokorin’s presence on the field has also helped younger players learn through example, as he brings experience from top European teams and international competition. The coach and the squad appear to value the forward not just for his goals but for his leadership on and off the pitch.
The narrative surrounding Kokorin’s national team prospects is shaped not only by his club success but also by the broader needs and tactical plans of the Russian program. If opportunities align, his combination of speed, positional sense, and finishing prowess could complement the national team’s attacking options. Observers note that a renewed national team call could hinge on consistent performances, fitness stability, and the strategic direction of the national team’s coaching staff. In conversations with media outlets, analysts have highlighted Kokorin’s experience against varied levels of competition as a potential asset in international play.
From Aris’s perspective, Kokorin’s impact extends beyond goals and assists. His presence helps elevate the team’s profile in Cyprus and across European football, attracting attention from scouts and fans alike. This visibility can translate into opportunities for the club while reinforcing Kokorin’s reputation as a seasoned striker capable of contributing to both domestic success and international discussions about his future roles. The ongoing evaluation of his form, fitness, and motivation will continue to influence any potential national team considerations in the coming months, as both the player and the national program weigh options for the next stages of competition.