InStat RPL Team of Matchday 27

Here is the best XI from matchday 27 according to InStat data.

Goalkeeper: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)
InStat Index: 315

The RPL’s clean sheet record-holder had his fourth consecutive shutout midweek thanks to two successfully blocked shots and one save. Only two keepers made more constructive passes.

Right-back: Denis Kulakov (Ural Ekaterinburg)
InStat Index: 298

Although his side failed to keep opponents Dynamo Moscow from scoring, Kulakov completed two of his three attempted key passes; all other right-backs managed just one between them. He also recovered possession more than anyone else in his position.

Left-back: Yuri Zhirkov (Zenit St. Petersburg)
InStat Index: 356

The veteran full-back completed a joint-high 58 passes for his position, while only Dmitri Kombarov dispossessed opponents more often. Only one left-back completed more passes into the penalty area than Zhirkov’s four.

Centre-back: Dennis Hadzikadunic (FC Rostov)
InStat Index: 340

Despite ending up on the losing side after conceding twice at home, Hadzikadunic offered a threat at the other end by scoring with only shot on goal. He also completed all but five of his 46 attempted passes.

Centre-back: Murilo Cerqueira (Lokomotiv Moscow)
InStat Index: 317

Lokomotiv’s Brazilian defender won 18 of his challenges, more than any other centre-back, while completing all five attempted interceptions. He even managed to be successful in his one attempted take-on.

Defensive midfield: Ismael SIlva (Akhmat Grozny)
InStat Index: 359

Ismael Silva helped lay the platform for an Akhmat away win by completing an astonishing 92 passes, 24 more than the next most productive passer in his position. He won all three of his aerial challenges too.

Right midfield: Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow)
InStat Index: 347

Fernandes helped his defence keep a clean sheet while also completing the most passes at the highest success rate than other right midfielders (if one discounts Soltmurad Bakaev, who only attempted four). He also regained possession more often than all others in his position.

Left midfield: Anton Zinkovsky (Krylia Sovetov Samara)
InStat Index: 341

Zinkovsky outshone his positional peers by some distance when it came to take-ons, completing nine of them to lead the way. He assisted a goal too, while also winning 11 attacking challenges - another highest value.

Attacking midfield: Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow)
InStat Index: 354

Once again Vlasic topped the charts for statistics in his position, most notably for shots on target and passes into the penalty area. He scored and set up Fedor Chalov too, while also regaining possession four times in the opposition half.

Striker: Anton Zabolotny (FC Sochi)
InStat Index: 308

Zabolotny scored on his return to St. Petersburg for FC Sochi, while also completing two passes into the penalty area. Only two fellow strikers completed a higher percentage of passes too.

Striker: Artem Dzyuba (Zenit St. Petersburg)
InStat Index: 307

Although the RPL top goalscorer didn’t add to his tally, he did assist a teammate’s goal again. He also won more aerial challenges than any other striker, while attempting a joint-high four passes into the penalty area.