Zhirkov was arguably the best left back at Euro 2008, and probably the best player on the Russian team not named Andrey Arshavin.
Linked with the player for some time now, Chelsea was the perfect destination for him. The connections to Guus Hiddink, the Russian national team manager and Chelsea's temporary manager at the end of this past season, and Roman Abromovich, as well as Chelsea's need for another left-sided player, combined to create a perfect storm that dropped Zhirkov in West London.
A perfect fit for the Blues, he can play on the left side of the midfield — in front of Ashley Cole and behind Florent Malouda. He also provides a viable backup to Ashley Cole, something Chelsea has been lacking since they let Wayne Bridge head to Manchester City.
This is a great signing for the Blues. Better to spend £18 million on Zhirkov than £17.5 million on Glen Johnson.
I think the Johnson signing was more to appease the homegrown player rule for European competition. We know how Rafa loves his fellow Spaniards!
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