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MKHITARYAN WORTHY OF A HIGHER CALLING
Khachik Chakhoyan from Yerevan
UEFA.com
May 22 2009
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been terrorising defences in Armenia FC Pyunik
coach Vardan Minasyan has admitted that he would love to see his
star player Henrikh Mkhitaryan "playing in a stronger league" after
the 20-year-old started the Armenian season with nine goals in eight
league games.
Star billing With his late father Hamlet Mkhitaryan - not to be
confused with the current Armenian international midfielder of the
same name - already recognised as one of Pyunik's star players of
the late-Soviet era, young Henrikh is well on his way to becoming
a legend in his own right, with coach Minasyan telling uefa.com:
"He can win games on his own. He seizes control at the crucial moment
and scores for fun."
Cracking start Scorer of the winning goal in the recent Armenian Cup
final, Mkhitaryan has also scored nine of his side's 21 league goals
to date, with Pyunik making a suitably emphatic unbeaten start to
their bid for a ninth successive local title. "He has made a huge step
forward," said Minasyan. "However, I would like to see him playing in
a stronger league. That would help him and the national team as well."
Arsenal fan Mkhitaryan for his own part is dreaming of the English
Premier League. "My favourite team is Arsenal," said the attack-minded
midfielder, who has played ten games for Armenia, scoring once. "I
like their attacking play and fast style. Moreover, Arsène Wenger
puts faith in young players while demanding results at the same
time. I like that and want to play there one day."
Inspiring examples Making that dream a reality may demand better
performances on the biggest stage, with Pyunik yet to progress beyond
the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Mkhitaryan
remains hopeful. "BATE Borisov and Anorthosis Famagusta showed we
shouldn't be afraid of the big teams," he said. "If we can't reach
the Champions League group stage I really hope we can play in the
Europa League."
'Almost perfect' In the meantime, Mkhitaryan is busy with domestic
matters, where he insists things are tougher than they look. "We
are top but it is no pushover - we have worked hard. Everyone is at
their best against the champions." Tougher games, though, can only
improve him, as Minasyan said: "He is almost perfect. All he needs
is confidence, but he has the time and skills to work on that."
Khachik Chakhoyan from Yerevan
UEFA.com
May 22 2009
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been terrorising defences in Armenia FC Pyunik
coach Vardan Minasyan has admitted that he would love to see his
star player Henrikh Mkhitaryan "playing in a stronger league" after
the 20-year-old started the Armenian season with nine goals in eight
league games.
Star billing With his late father Hamlet Mkhitaryan - not to be
confused with the current Armenian international midfielder of the
same name - already recognised as one of Pyunik's star players of
the late-Soviet era, young Henrikh is well on his way to becoming
a legend in his own right, with coach Minasyan telling uefa.com:
"He can win games on his own. He seizes control at the crucial moment
and scores for fun."
Cracking start Scorer of the winning goal in the recent Armenian Cup
final, Mkhitaryan has also scored nine of his side's 21 league goals
to date, with Pyunik making a suitably emphatic unbeaten start to
their bid for a ninth successive local title. "He has made a huge step
forward," said Minasyan. "However, I would like to see him playing in
a stronger league. That would help him and the national team as well."
Arsenal fan Mkhitaryan for his own part is dreaming of the English
Premier League. "My favourite team is Arsenal," said the attack-minded
midfielder, who has played ten games for Armenia, scoring once. "I
like their attacking play and fast style. Moreover, Arsène Wenger
puts faith in young players while demanding results at the same
time. I like that and want to play there one day."
Inspiring examples Making that dream a reality may demand better
performances on the biggest stage, with Pyunik yet to progress beyond
the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Mkhitaryan
remains hopeful. "BATE Borisov and Anorthosis Famagusta showed we
shouldn't be afraid of the big teams," he said. "If we can't reach
the Champions League group stage I really hope we can play in the
Europa League."
'Almost perfect' In the meantime, Mkhitaryan is busy with domestic
matters, where he insists things are tougher than they look. "We
are top but it is no pushover - we have worked hard. Everyone is at
their best against the champions." Tougher games, though, can only
improve him, as Minasyan said: "He is almost perfect. All he needs
is confidence, but he has the time and skills to work on that."