Roman Berezovsky, the former Dynamo Moscow goalkeeper who now works as a goalkeeping coach with the Armenian national team, has highlighted a rising star who could bolster their squad. He pointed to Samara Krylia Sovetov midfielder Alexander Kovalenko as a player the national team could really benefit from adding to its ranks.
At 19 years old, Kovalenko earned his first senior national team call-up this season and made his debut in the victory over Kyrgyzstan, a 2-1 win that showcased his early potential on the international stage.
“Kovalenko’s surname isn’t Armenian, but there are whispers of roots in his family history. His grandfather reportedly played for Ararat, which adds a layer of connection. Our managers and the head coach have shown interest and have looked after him closely”, Berezovsky noted. The observation hints at a broader scouting approach that values both heritage and performance when building a national squad that can compete at the highest level.
According to Berezovsky, Kovalenko could be a valuable addition because the national setup has sometimes prioritized standout reputations over fit with team needs. He suggested that a well-rounded player who can operate effectively within the midfield would bring balance to the squad, especially when competition in the attacking positions is intense and simply naming a high-profile talent might not address midfield depth. In Berezovsky’s view, Kovalenko could fill a crucial role and contribute in ways that enhance the team’s dynamics (attribution: Championship.com).
It’s important to note that Kovalenko’s registration remains with Sochi. He will be temporarily loaned to Krylia Sovetov until the end of the current season, a move designed to give him regular top-flight minutes and further develop his game at a high level. The loan arrangement is a common step for young players seeking consistent competitive action while still being tied to their parent club for development purposes.
Throughout this season, Kovalenko has made 23 appearances for Samara in the Russian Premier League, contributing one goal and two assists. Those numbers illustrate his growing influence in midfield and his ability to influence matches through both creativity and work rate. Krylia Sovetov sit in the 13th place in the standings, and the club’s coaching staff will likely rely on Kovalenko’s evolving skill set to help push the squad higher up the table as the season progresses.
There have been rumors linking Kovalenko with further attention from clubs such as Sevilla, underscoring the market interest in a player who has shown potential at a young age. While transfer discussions often shift rapidly, the current loan looks to be a constructive step for Kovalenko, allowing him to gain valuable experience and exposure in a competitive league environment while remaining under the umbrella of his parent club.