Outgoing CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky has backed midfielder Alan Dzagoev for a move to the Premier League next year.
The Russian International scored the opening goal in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League and has reportedly garnered interests from a couple of English clubs.
Slutsky, who confirmed before the game that he will not be staying on as CSKA coach is aware that Dzagoev is on the radar of a few Premier League clubs and is confident his star midfielder will be a good signing.
"It's obvious Alan Dzagoev is one of the top players in the Russian league. It's not surprising that scouts were watching him and it will not be surprising if he continues his career in one of the top British clubs," Slutsky said after the game.
"[But] even though he scored a goal [against Spurs], he still has a lot of things to work on."
The loss to Tottenham saw CSKA dumped out of the Champions League and having finished bottom of Group E, they failed to qualify for the Europa League. CSKA only managed to name five substitutes at Wembley and Slutsky lamented the lack of options he had.
"It was very hard. We had lots of players missing and, even though we scored the first goal, I can blame the absence of the missing players," the Russian tactician added.
"I would say that it was very uncomfortable to play with the missing players we had. And we had a very tough opponent to play against.
"Because of the missing players, it's very difficult to compete in the Champions League.
"The only thing I can say is that I feel disappointment."