Winning is everything for Dzagoev
Alan Dzagoev does not care about statistics but when it comes to numbers, an important one could be going up by the minute at Uefa Euro 2012™ - his price.
If the Russian continues against Poland on Tuesday where he left off against the Czech Republic some top clubs in Europe might begin thinking his current estimated €16 million transfer fee tag a bargain.
The attacking midfielder was always billed as a player to watch ahead of the tournament, and his two goals in the 4-1 thrashing of the Czech Republic has confirmed all the impressions.
There are comparisons with Andrey Arshavin whose stunning performance at Euro 2008 put him in the shop window for a number of top European clubs, with the current Russia captain then moving to Arsenal.
Dzagoev could well follow in Arshavin's footsteps, although he is happy at CSKA Moscow and has said if he moved he would prefer, as an admirer of England's Frank Lampard, to go to Chelsea.
With Chelsea's Russian Roman Abrahomovic reportedly having past links to CSKA and apparently willing to invest this summer in more players, a move to the Blues might not be beyond the realms of possibility.
At 21, Dzagoev has now already played 20 games for Russia, making his debut as country's youngest ever outfield player at 18 and four months.
His professional career began at the age of 16 for Krylia Sovetov in the Russian second division, attracting the attention of CSKA who signed him in January 2008.
The man-of-the-match award for his performance against the Czech Republic was never in doubt. He also headed the Castrol Edge Index, in which every pass, shot and tackle is documented, alongside the Czech Republic's Vaclav Pilar.
However, the player who hails from the town of Beslan in the Caucasus, scene of a deadly hostage crisis in 2004, says statistics are not important.
"I don't think about statistics - the important thing is to have won and the way we won. I am not euphoric - it is the team that counts," he said.
Dzagoev almost missed out on the tournament after fracturing a toe playing for CSKA in late March but recovered quickly and made an impression when chosen by coach Dick Advocaat for a 3-0 friendly victory over Italy before the tournament.
"It was very difficult after my injury and I was only given a chance after Marat (Izmailov) picked up an injury in the game with Italy," he said. "I would really like to thank my coach for giving me a chance."
Now co-hosts Poland are in Dzagoev's sights in a group A match, knowing a win in Warsaw's National Stadium will already ensure progress to the quarterfinals. Morale is high in the Russian camp, but Dutch coach Advocaat says his players have their feet on the ground.
"Not once have I seen the players thinking this will be an easy game, as there are no easy games," he said.
"Against Poland it will be a different game, a different opponent, and I think it will be a tougher match than the first one."
Ahead of what is something of an historical grudge match, the Russian football federation has urged its supporters to behave after some fans attacked stewards after the match against the Czech Republic.
A scheduled Russian march through the streets of Warsaw ahead of the game has already led to tension, with officials fearing possible confrontations around the capital's National Stadium.
In a recent illustration on the cover of Newsweek's Polish edition, coach Franciszek Smuda was shown in a Polish uniform from the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, when Poland defeated the Soviet Bolsheviks. "The Battle of Warsaw 2012," the magazine's headline read in reference to Tuesday's game.
