With team-mate Alexander Mostovoi being increasingly used as sweeper, the onus is now on Valery Karpin to be the flair midfield player.
The Celta Vigo man can play anywhere across the middle but is usually employed behind the strikers, creating space for them with his own runs or playing them in with pin-point passing.
Manager Oleg Romanstev also knows that Karpin is a hard enough worker to pitch in with his share of defensive duties.
The former CSKA Moscow and Valencia man has come into his own since moving to Spain four years ago.
In Spain's Primera Liga he has proved capable of getting among the goals from distance thanks to his powerful shot.