Tagizade wins Azerbaijani award
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Article summary
FC Shafa's Zaur Tagizade has been voted Azerbaijan's Player of the Year.
Article body
FC Shafa and Azerbaijani international Zaur Tagizade has been voted Azerbaijan's Player of the Year in an official poll involving the nation's top sportswriters, coaches and players. FC Neftchi goalkeeper Jahangir Gasnzade and FC Shamkir attacking midfielder Makhmud Gurbanov were second and third in the vote respectively.
'Very honoured'
The 22-year-old was suitabky delighted to win the award. "I am very honoured and I'd like to thank everybody who supported me, especially the fans," the youngster said upon. "I owe my parents for my success."
Consistent performances
Tagizade has won 29 caps and scored 5 goals for Azerbaijan. His performances for the national side consistently caught the eye in 2001. A goal and assist for Azerbaijan as they overcame Slovakia in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier in June while in October the Azerbaijanis drew 1-1 with F.Y.R. Macedonia thanks to a superb performance by Tagizade. The 22-year-old also scored in the most memorable game ever played by the national team, netting the opener in a 1-1 draw with Portugal.
Trials abroad
Tagizade is also one of the top scorers in the Azeri first division. At present his side FC Shafa lie third behind FC Shamkir and FC Neftchi. Last year Tagizade went on trials with English second division side Swindon Town FC and Swedish champions Hammarby IF FF, but chose to stay at Shafa until his contract expires this summer.
