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Thrill Bill! Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has silenced Everton
doubters, insists Guus Hiddink
By Ashley Gray
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Creating a Din: Bilyaletdinov has impressed
for Everton. Photo: PA
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Russia boss Guus Hiddink insists Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has
proved wrong the critics who said Everton new boy was too weak to make
it in England.
The winger spent much of last year injured and looked a shadow of himself
when he returned to action for Lokomotiv Moscow.
But it didn't put off David Moyes splashing out ?10million for the 24-year-old
in August and Bilyaletdinov has impressed in his nine appearances for
the club.
Hiddink said: 'Diniyar has proved himself for Everton as a complete attacking
midfielder. I have been very happy with him. Recently, I had several conversations
with David Moyes and he is also pleased with Bill.
'To all his critics, he has proved that he can not only make it in a familiar
environment, but also in the most competitive conditions.
'All those who considered him a little slow and weak have their reply.
Diniyar is regularly scoring and making goals in the most uncompromisingly
tough championship there is.'
A goal in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the weekend was spoiled
by his red card for a high tackle on Stiliyan Petrov, but Hiddink said:
'This just proves the point. In any case, passion and enthusiasm should
be tempered by a cool head. But it's better to have it that way around
than vice versa.'
Bilyaletdinov's sending off does not exclude him from playing in Thursday's
Europa League match against Benfica at Goodison Park.
Hiddink has backed Bilyaletdinov to provide the attacking threat for Russia
down the left if he needs to leave out Chelsea star Yuri Zhirkov.
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Off day: Bilyaletdinov (right) trudges away
after being sent off against Aston Villa. Photo: Getty Images
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Stamford Bridge new boy Zhirkov has been named in the squad
to face Slovenia in the two-leg World Cup qualification play-off later
this month, but he will not be risked if his knee injury persists.
'I contacted the Chelsea medical staff,' said the former Blues interim
manager, 'but so far doctors can't say anything concrete.
'The situation is very similar to the one before the September matches
against Liechtenstein and Wales, when Yuri was training with the group,
but in the end was not even named in the (matchday) squad.
'If this happens again, we have a good replacement for Zhirkov in Diniyar
Bilyaletdinov.'
It would not be a like for like replacement. Although both prefer to play
on the left wing, Zhirkov plays as an attacking full back for his country.
Bilyaletdinov would not start in defence for Russia, but a more defensive
alternative would be chosen and the reins taken off Hiddink's attacking
midfielders as a result.
Dailymail.co.uk,
04th November 2009
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