Coach Sammelvuo announces 15-men selection for upcoming Volleyball nation league and there are discussion into whether Muserskiy will play as opposite or middle blocker.
Muserskiy is definitely a legend himself, bring home Russia's first ever gold medal. (Excluding Soviet Union and Unify team results) His switching position from Middle blocking position to opposite definitely is the gaming changer to the gold medal match in 2012 Olympics. Since he is no stranger to be an opposite, it wouldn't shock anyone if we see him return to this position for the national team. The question to the Russian giant would be if he fit to play in both positions.
Mikhaylov is another player who will play through different position, both side of the wings. Though the famous opposite definitely is a world class opposite, he has yet to prove himself that he plays at the same level as an outside hitter. In the 2019/2020 season, Sokolov replaced Mikhaylov as the opposite of the time and Mikhaylov played in the outside hitting position. It wasn't the best season for the veteran, having the added pressure of serve reception will definitely impact a player that doesn't normally play in reception and attack position.
Most importantly, is this the team preparation and composition to replicate the success of coach Alekno during the Olympics for coach Sammelvuo, or is it just a coincidence and development for volleyball players to diversify their skill repertoire and their position in a game.
#Russia #VolleyballNationsLeague2021 #DmitriyMuserskiy #MaximMikhaylov #TheOlympics2021 #TuomasSammelvuo #Opposite
https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/vnl-2021/news/muserskiy-as-opposite-in-russia-s-vnl-roster
Well I think it will still be an interesting team. The idea of Musersky as opposite would have been better if players like Mikhaylov and Poletaev werent amazing at their position, but Poletaev is prone to injury and can be rested some more with Musersky as a back up for Mikhaylov.
Also with Yakovlev out of the team due to injury, they will have one less amazing middle.
@J.P. Sad to see Yakovlev injured, what injury did he sustained? Also, I think Muserskiy preparing for two position would be very taxing on him.
@JohnSuen I dont know for sure. Google translate says its his “groin foot”, but that does not exist lol
@J.P. Welp, I guess that’s all we can get from the google translation. Thanks, prayers and thoughts to him and a speedy recovery.
Mikhaylov with the same level as outside hitter than as opposite ? That's a joke.
Muserskiy can be a very good opposite, but Mikhaylov is a weak outside hitter.
@Sherlock I think the Olympics finals 9 years ago proves he isn’t a fit for outside hitting And the 2019/ 2020 further solidified the story. I am interested in seeing how Russia will prepare for their Olympics.