Nikola Vlasic turned his loan deal permanent with CSKA Moscow this summer after falling down the pecking order at Everton and has been flourishing in Russia. The 21-year-old struggled for playing time at Goodison Park, making only 19 appearances in two years, but he’s thriving at CSKA and has been outstanding in 2019/20.
Vlasic scored and created 15 goals in 31 games in all competitions last season which helped pave the way for his permanent move to the VEB Arena. He’s continued to shine in Russia and has contributed six goals in 11 games so far. In the last two years, the attacking-midfielder has averaged a goal or assist every 177 minutes.
CSKA are currently second in the Premier League with 22 points from 10 games this season, having won their last four on the bounce – 3-0 vs FK Akhmat (August 25), 2-1 vs Arsenal Tula (September 1), 2-0 vs FC Tambov (September 15), 3-2 vs FC Krasnodar (September 22).
No player in CSKA’s squad has scored more goals (4) or created more chances (31) than Vlasic and only Feder Chalov has more assists this season. His move to Russia couldn’t be going any better.