Rubin Kazan

After 6 years of struggle Rubin returned in Europe thanks to very strong finish to the season after nothing more than average start. Experienced coach Slutski was given money last summer and he used them well to add 4-5 important pieces to the squad, but with no proper training camp it took some time for the new players to gel-in. Rubin earned single point from their first 3 games and up until the winter break their form was nothing more than average and enough only to keep them out of the bottom 4. The Tatars earned just 8 wins in the first 19 rounds. However, excellent winter preparation and vastly improved scoring record for main striker Despotovic and playmaker Jevtic saw Rubin starting 2021 with 8 wins in 10 rounds. This proved enough for top 4 finish in the end and the players must feel high on confidence after having the best record in entire league in 2021. The main strength of the team was undoubtedly their defending with captain Uremovic having excellent season. Even better campaign had goalkeeper Dyupin and his 147 saves big part as to why 11 clean sheets were kept. Coach Slutski expected to receive extra funds to widen the squad further in the summer months as next season Rubin will be busy in Europe too.

Player of the Season: Yuri Dyupin