Aleksei Miranchuk


Aleksei Andreyevich Miranchuk is a Russian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or striker for Lokomotiv Moscow and the Russian national team.

Early years

Born in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, Miranchuk started playing football in his hometown football school Olymp. Then, he and his twin brother Anton arrived in Moscow, joining the youth ranks of Spartak Moscow. However, they did not last long in this club, being expelled because of their insufficient physical abilities.
Then, the twin brothers were spotted by the managers of Lokomotiv Moscow, who invited them to join the club. Aleksei won three titles of Russian League in his age category and scored a goal in the final twice. In October 2012, he became MVP of the Russian Football Union cup.

Club career

Lokomotiv Moscow

At the age of 17, Miranchuk made his debut in the Russian Premier League for Lokomotiv Moscow on 20 April 2013 as a starter in away game versus Kuban. On 5 May 2013, Miranchuk scored his first senior goal and made first assist in away game against Amkar which Lokomotiv won 4–2. He scored a header from Maicon pass in the first half and provided an assist for Renat Yanbayev in the second half.
He made his debut in UEFA Europa League on 28 August 2014, coming on as a second-half substitution for Manuel Fernandes in a 1–4 defeat to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol.
His performances got him the title of the best Lokomotiv player of the month by fans' poll on social networks in April 2015 and May 2015.
On 21 May 2015, Miranchuk scored a solo goal against Kuban Krasnodar in extra time of the Russian Cup final, helping Lokomotiv win the sixth Russian Cup title in history.

International career

He made his debut for the Russia national football team on 7 June 2015 in a friendly against Belarus at the Arena Khimki, replacing Yuri Zhirkov in the 71st minute and scoring Russia's third of a 4–2 victory twelve minutes later.
On 11 May 2018, he was included in Russia's extended 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. On 3 June 2018, he was included in the finalized World Cup squad. His only World Cup appearance came as a starter in the last group-stage game against Uruguay which Russia lost 0–3 and Miranchuk was substituted by Fyodor Smolov after an hour of play.

Career statistics

Club

International goals

№DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.7 June 2015Arena Khimki, Khimki, Russia
3–2
4–2
Friendly
2.28 March 2017Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, Russia2–33–3Friendly
3.7 October 2017VEB Arena, Moscow, Russia4–04–2Friendly
4.14 November 2017Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia2–23–3Friendly
5.19 November 2019San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino3–05–0UEFA Euro 2020 qualification

Honours

Club

;Lokomotiv Moscow