Arguably the most talented Russian footballer to have emerged since UEFA EURO 2008, Alan Dzagoev is a young attacking midfielder with excellent vision and passing technique. He has made impressive progress with PFC CSKA Moskva, shining repeatedly in UEFA club competition, and scored four goals in UEFA EURO 2012 qualification.

• Born in Beslan, he attended football schools in Vladikavkaz and Togliatti before turning out for Russian second-tier club Krylya Sovetov-SOK Dimitovgrad, where he recorded 37 appearances and six goals in 2006 and 2007.

• Joined CSKA at 17 prior to the 2008 season and took the step-up with ease; came on as a substitute in CSKA's Russian Cup final win and scored seven times in a run of eight league games from mid-August to mid-October, plus another three in the UEFA Cup.

• In winning his first international cap at the age of 18 years and 116 days, as a substitute in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Germany, Dzagoev became Russia's youngest outfield player; scored his first international goal in a 3-2 victory against the Republic of Ireland in October 2010.

• Consolidated his reputation with CSKA in 2009, retaining the Russian Cup − though he missed the final − and scoring seven goals in 27 league appearances.

• Made a dramatic impact on his UEFA Champions League debut in 2009/10, registering three goals in his opening four games to help CSKA qualify for the first knockout round.

• A Russian Cup winner again in 2011, he became a doubt for UEFA EURO 2012 when he broke the little toe on his right foot during a league game against FC Lokomotiv Moskva two months before the finals.