Yuri Kovtun

Football player infobox| playername= Yuri Kovtun


fullname = Юрий Михайлович Ковтун
nickname = -
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|1970|1|5|df=y
cityofbirth = Azov
countryofbirth = USSR
height = height|m=1.90
currentclub = Alania
position = Defender
youthyears = ? –1988
youthclubs = Luzh Azov
years = 1988
1989-1990
1991–1993
1993-1998
1999–2005
2006-
clubs = Luch Azov
SKA Rostov-na-Donu
Rostselmash
Dynamo Moscow
Spartak Moscow
Alania
caps(goals) = 36 (1)
61
64 (1)
156 (5)
199 (7)
- (-)
nationalyears = 1994–2003
nationalteam = Russia
nationalcaps(goals) = 50 (2)
pcupdate = 4 Feb 06
ntupdate = 4 Feb 06

Yuri Kovtun ( _ru. Юрий Михайлович Ковтун) (born Jan 5, 1970 in Azov) is a Russian football defender, well-known as 90's Russia national football team player, as well as Dynamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow stopper. Currently plays for FC Alania Vladikavkaz.

Playing career

Kovtun's career started in minor Russian club Luch Azov in 1988. Then he proceed his career as professional player in SKA Rostov-na-Donu and Rostselmash. In 1992, Rostselmash and Kovtun starred in first Russian championship where they unexpectedly promoted to 8th place. Kovtun was impressive during the season so two top teams were interested in him at the same time, it's Dynamo and Spartak Moscow. In 1993, Kovtun chose Dynamo Moscow and was their key player for years, until his move to Spartak in 1999.

While the only Kovtun's honour during 6 years in Dynamo was Russian Cup in 1995, he could get 3 titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001 after joining Spartak. Moreover, he took part in numerous UEFA Champions League games and found himself regular Russian national football team player.

International career

Kovtun played for Russian international team 50 times, scoring 2 goals. Most impressive moments of his international career was unbelievable long shot goal to Yugoslavia during WC-2002 qualifier and own goal in Iceland away game during Euro-2000 qualifying. He was a part of Russian squad in the Euro 96 and World Cup 2002 finals. Kovtun was sent off in Euro 96 for a lunge at Germany's Dieter Eilts.

Strong and weak sides

Kovtun's strong points as defender always was great tackling, tight marking of opponents and good heading skills. The main weakness of his skills at all times was low pace and acceleration. Another drawback from the lack of speed was that he often had to play too dirty so he could easily gain yellow card or even being sent off (he holds Russian record for amount of bookings).

Current activity

During 2005, Spartak's veteran couldn't gain first team place and most of the season played for reserves. In January 2006 he left Spartak Moscow for just relegated into Russian First Division Alania Vladikavkaz.

Honours

* 1999 2000 2001 Russian Premier League
* 1995 2003 Russian Cup