Metallurg Bekabad - Uzbekistan Super League 2021


 Metallurg Bekabad were founded in 1945 in the same year that the city, which had grown out of a cement factory, was granted city status. Most of their history has been one of mid-table obscurity. Their best ever finish in the Super League was 5th in 2019, they finished 7th last time. They won the Uzbek Soviet Cup in 1985 and 1990. From what I have seen of them so far, they aren’t bad, but aren’t great either - a cup run is probably the best they can ask for. However, on the whole they defend well and have some players who can get forward.


Players to watch: Stanislav Andreev, who is a left back who likes to get forward has impressed me in the games I have seen. He was originally at Pakhtakor, but was on loan to Metallurg in 2018 and made the move permanent in 2019. However, at 32 he isn’t one for the future, but he still has pace. In central midfield Evgen Chumak, a Ukrainian who started off at Dynamo Kyiv, but has played almost everywhere in the Soviet Union, at 25 finally seems to have found a home in Uzbekistan after also playing for Bunyodkor. 


Star signing: After a short stint in Thailand, Akbar Ismatullaev is back at the club and has been given the captain’s armband as he adds some grit in central defence.


Foreign legion: As well as Evgen Chumak from Ukraine there are a couple of Russians. Andrey Shiplov is a no nonsense centre back, whose strength belies the fact that he is only 21. Despite his tender age he is in his fourth season at the club. Evgeni Makeev is a Moscow native and experienced right back. He joined from lowly Rosich Moscovski, but also has Spartak Moscow on his CV.

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