Zenit have been compared to a tsunami in the media, sweeping aside everyone in their path, however Dynamo could have blocked Zenit’s path, however Zenit pushed through it. Are the club like a machine?
It is great that we keep on winning and have not lost a game yet. Everyone knew the game would be tough, and the match itself showed that. We were only able to score in the second half, and the first half was very even. I am glad that I was able to help the team with the assist for the goal. We are doing well and know there’s a long way to go, but today's win was very important for us and I am glad we got it. We will try to continue in the same spirit.
You are only 18 years old but play with such maturity and are a regular in the starting lineup. This is a very rare thing, can you explain how you’ve managed it?
I played with older kids when I was a child and I am used to learning from older players. Zenit have many experienced, quality players and I feel that I have improved a lot since my move here. I hope that things will continue this way and I’ll keep helping the team with assists and goals. I do not think about age, I just try to be better than I was in my last match.
A question about Maksim Glushenkov, he only joined the team recently but it feels like he’s been here for many seasons. How has he fitted in so easily? Have you already built a bond?
He has three big qualities, great positioning on the pitch, excellent finishing and superb technique. Maksim is an amazing player who brings so much to the team, and will bring even more. A mutual understanding was there from the moment he arrived and this is thanks to Maksim and the whole team. He is a very talented, quality player and it’s a joy to be in the same team as him.
Is there a Brazilian player you could compare him with?
Maybe to my former teammate at Corinthians, Róger Guedes, who is now playing in Qatar. He played a similar role on the pitch and did so much for the team.
When the penalty was awarded against Zenit, it could have changed the whole game, but Latyshonok saved it. How ere you feeling then and what did you all say to the goalkeeper in the locker room?
Latyshonok is a fantastic goalkeeper and saved us today, We congratulated him both on the pitch and in the locker room, everyone applauded him and it was more than deserved.
Was it a handball for the penalty?
I didn't get a chance to watch the replay, but the bench thought it hit the chest.