Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin is “very important” to Russia and he powered the team to their 4-1 demolition of the Czech Republic at Euro 2012, Russia coach Dick Advocaat has said.
Arshavin set up two of Russia’s goals and could have claimed more assists if not for striker Alexander Kerzhakov’s wasteful finishing.
"He worked very hard and played very well," Advocaat said.
"He is a very important player for us. I am very positive about him."
Two-goal hero Alan Dzagoev, 21, is starting to realize his potential, Advocaat said, pointing out that the CSKA Moscow midfielder is “looking better every day”.
Despite dominating the Czechs, Russia were not playing at their best and must improve if they are to cope with tougher opposition, Advocaat said.
“We should have scored more as we had a lot of chances,” he said, adding: "Maybe a better team would have scored more against us.”
Russia allowed the Czechs too much freedom, the former Rangers coach said.
"There were moments where we need to be sharper, at certain points they had a lot of space and were very dangerous.”\
Euro 2012 is Advocaat's last tournament as Russia coach before he joins PSV Eindhoven in his native Netherlands.
Russia tops group A as a result of the win, after Poland and Greece drew 1-1 in the tournament opener.
The Netherlands face Denmark in Saturday’s first game, before Germany take on Portugal.
