Former CSKA Moscow alumnus Yuri Zhirkov weighed in on the talent pool of Cypriot football, offering an assessment of Alexander Kokorin of Aris as a genuine center forward. Zhirkov’s observations, reported by Match TV, highlighted Kokorin as one of the standout players in the Cyprus league, reflecting Kokorin’s impact and consistency in front of goal as the campaign progressed. The veteran winger noted that Kokorin’s performances in European competition when Cypriot clubs competed against bigger leagues had left a lasting impression, underscoring the striker’s finishing instinct and ability to influence important matches.
“Nice work and congratulations to the player”, Zhirkov commented. He recalled past encounters when Cypriot sides faced European foes, adding that those teams had shown real quality and with Kokorin in the lineup, Aris looked dangerous. While Zhirkov did not have up-to-the-minute information about the ongoing contract situation, he did hint at the possibility of a potential move back to Fiorentina if the right circumstances emerged, signaling that contract negotiations and loan specifics often create a dynamic and fluid situation in European football.
With two rounds remaining in the season, Aris sits at the summit with 71 points from 34 matches, a position that underscores their consistency and competitive edge in this title race. The Limassol-based club is preparing for a home fixture against Omonia, a match that could prove pivotal in the final standings. The showdown is scheduled for May 20, a date that fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Aris seeks to consolidate their lead and push toward domestic glory.
On the player’s side, Kokorin is currently on loan to Aris, with Fiorentina retaining his athletic rights. The transfer path traces back to 2021 when Kokorin moved from Spartak Moscow to Fiorentina, a move that linked him with Italian football and broadened his experience across European leagues. In Russia, Kokorin has previously lined up with top clubs, including Zenit Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi Makhachkala, contributing to a career marked by high-profile moves and international exposure. This blend of experiences has shaped Kokorin into a forward capable of influencing matches at various levels of competition, a point that observers like Zhirkov acknowledge when discussing the player’s current form and potential trajectories in the near term.