Yuri Kovtun
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Юрий Михайлович Ковтун | ||
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Alania | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 4 Feb 06 | |||
Yury Kovtun (Template:Lang-ru, born Jan 5, 1970 in Azov) is a Russian football defender, well-known as 90's Russia national football team player, as well as Dynamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow stopper. Currently plays for FC Alania Vladikavkaz.
Playing career
Kovtun's career started in minor Russian club Luch Azov in 1988. Then he proceed his career as professional player in SKA Rostov-na-Donu and Rostselmash. In 1992, Rostselmash and Kovtun starred in first Russian championship where they unexpectedly promoted to 8th place. Kovtun was impressive during the season so two top teams were interested in him at the same time, it's Dynamo and Spartak Moscow. In 1993, Kovtun chose Dynamo Moscow and was their key player for years, until his move to Spartak in 1999.
While the only Kovtun's honour during 6 years in Dynamo was Russian Cup in 1995, he could get 3 titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001 after joining Spartak. Moreover, he took part in numerous UEFA Champions League games and found himself regular Russian national football team player.
International career
Kovtun played for Russian international team 50 times, scoring 2 goals. Most impressive moments of his international career was unbelievable long shot goal to Yugoslavia during WC-2002 qualifier and own goal in Iceland away game during Euro-2000 qualifying. He was a part of Russian squad on 2002 FIFA World Cup and Euro 96 finals.
Strong and weak sides
Kovtun's strong sides as defender always was great tackling, tight marking of opponents and good heading skills. The main weakness of his skills at all times was low pace and acceleration. Another drawback from the lack of speed was that he often had to play too dirty so he could easily gain yellow card or even being sent off (he holds Russian record for amount of bookings).
Current activity
During 2005, Spartak's veteran couldn't gain first team place and most of the season played for reserves. In January 2006 he left Spartak Moscow for just relegated into Russian First Division Alania Vladikavkaz.