Henrikh Mkhitaryan in starting 11 of biggest names to miss FIFA CupOctober 12, 2017 - 13:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A number of international media outlets have compiled lineups of some of the biggest names who will be watching the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia from the sidelines. Among them is the Armenian team's captain, Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who, according to The Associated Press, is a top assist man at Old Trafford and one of the most creative players in the Premier League. Also in AP's 3-4-3 lineup are David Alaba, Antonio Valencia, Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben, Alexis Sanchez, Edin Dzeko, Gareth Bale, Christian Pulisic, Virgil van Dijk and Jan Oblak. Express Sport has also compiled a star-studded squad of players who have failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, including Mkhitaryan as a substitute for the starting eleven.
In Sportskeeda's list Mkhitaryan is among the top 5 surprises of the qualification round. "Mkhitaryan has the uncanny knack of producing great passes and through balls. His understanding with his teammates has seen him muster five assists so far this season," the publication says. "The man with the nickname "Micky", scores some crazy goals and is a popular player in world football. It is sad that we will not be able to see any of the Micky magic in Russia." The Armenia international is also among the seven big stars singled out by Tempo.co to miss the Russia event. The Armenian team collected seven points in total and did not manage to qualify for the World Cup finals. Mkhitaryan did net a goal in the team's match against Kazakhstan on Sunday, October 8 but the game ended in a 1-1 draw anyway. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |