Sergei Semak

Sergei Semak's return to the Russia fold for Euro 2008 has surprised many after two years in the international wilderness under Guus Hiddink's tenure. Since being appointed in 2006, Hiddink has deemed Semak's services surplus to requirements but in the build up to Austria and Switzerland he elected to recall the 32-year-old. Hiddink even went as far as to hand Semak the captaincy against Kazakhstan in a pre-tournament friendly, and with Andrei Arshavin suspended for the first two games of the competition, it could be that the Rubin Kazan schemer retains the armband. Semak has a wealth of experience having captained CSKA Moscow to Uefa Cup glory in 2005, and with over 40 caps is regarded as an international player of some repute. A nomadic career has encompassed stops at Presnya Moscow, Karelia Petrozavodsk, Asmaral Moscow, CSKA, PSG, FC Moscow and current employers Rubin Kazan. Hiddink's regime has seen the emphasis shifted from experience to youth but the Dutch tactician is aware that all great sides need a leader and in Arshavin's absence, it could be Semak that is handed a playmaking role.