Yuri Zhirkov has been tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to play a key role for Chelsea this season having finally found his feet.
In-form Russian winger earns praise from boss Ancelotti
Yuri Zhirkov has been tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to play a key role for Chelsea this season having finally found his feet at Stamford Bridge.
The Russian midfielder, who can also operate at full-back, has struggled to hit anything like his top form since joining the Premier League champions for £18million last year.
It is only really in the past month that Zhirkov has really started to produce in a Chelsea shirt, with his brilliant run and cross setting up Branislav Ivanovic's winner at Blackburn on Saturday.
Zhirkov was recently warned by Russia coach Dick Advocaat he risked his international place without regular first-team football but the 27-year-old has now been given the backing of his club manager.
Ancelotti, speaking after Chelsea's 2-1 victory at Ewood Park, said: "The goal at Spartak Moscow obviously improved his confidence. He is playing continuously now so he is showing some good football and he is working for the team.
"He was consistent last week against Wolves and he was consistent again today. Last season he showed he was ready when he replaced Ashley Cole.
"He is a very efficient player and I think he has a future."
