A latecomer to international football, Konstantin Zyryanov caught the eye with a series of outstanding performances during FC Zenit St Petersburg's 2007 Russian Premier-Liga and 2008 UEFA Cup triumphs. Since turning 30 the elegant playmaker has been an immovable presence in Russia's midfield.

• A late developer at the top level, Zyryanov began his career in the Russian second division with FC Amkar Perm before joining FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva in summer 2000.

• Accumulated 164 Premier-Liga appearances for Torpedo, missing only one game in his final three seasons, the latter ending in a shock relegation and his transfer to Zenit.

• Immediately hit it off in St Petersburg, winning the Premier-Liga at the first attempt, scoring nine goals and being crowned 2007 Russian footballer of the year; maintained his form in the club's 2007/08 UEFA Cup triumph, starting all 17 matches and scoring three goals, the last of them sealing victory in the final against Rangers FC.

• First capped in May 2006, aged 28, he became a key figure in Russia's UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying bid, starting seven of the last eight matches, and excelled at the finals, scoring the winner against Greece and featuring in the official Team of the Tournament.

• Missed only six Premier-Liga games in four seasons (2008-12), winning the domestic double in the third of them and helping Zenit retain the league title in the last.

UEFA honours
UEFA EURO 2008: Team of the Tournament
UEFA Cup: winner 2008
UEFA Super Cup: winner 2008