Evgeny Morev. A success story: from a box in Strogino to a stadium in London

Every day gives us a lot of opportunities, you just need to be able to take advantage of them, and then the long-awaited result is not far off. Our today’s hero is an ordinary guy, for whom soccer has long been not just a favorite hobby, but a real opportunity to loudly declare himself to the whole world and play in a big stadium, Evgeny Morev. Within the framework of our interview we had a chance to talk and find out how Zhenya’s life has changed after his participation in the global tournament for young street soccer players adidas Tango League, his getting to the top of the standings, his trip to London and his team’s final match at the CSKA soccer stadium.

– How did your soccer story begin?
– In general, it all started at the age of five, and at the age of six my dad brought me to train at the Strogino club team. There I started practicing more seriously, I got really involved. And since then soccer has been a very big part of my life. But at the Tango League tournament my path did not start very pleasantly: I got a serious injury at the first game. The next match I had to play with a cast on my arm, I was very afraid, but I managed to overcome my fear and go on the field! And what is most surprising – to win!

– Don’t you think it’s too early? How old do you think a child should be given to soccer?
– I think, on the contrary: the earlier, the better. You need to give them to sports clubs from childhood and harden their character.

– Tell us about the most significant achievements for you?
– At the moment I have reached the first line in the tournament table, thanks to which adidas gave me the opportunity to go to London and join the best young players from 39 countries.

–What was it like in London?
– In London, we had various challenges and challenges to take part in. For example, in one of them you had to accept as many balls as possible: there was a circle in the center, and on the perimeter there were cannons with balls that were fired. I had to take the ball and, without leaving the circle, score it into the goal. And then we split into teams and played each other in the big Stanford Bridge Stadium. It was really cool! My team won all 3 matches, and it was a kind of international success among the teams made up of the best players of different countries at that time. Back in London we attended the Champions League match and the global launch of the new adidas NEMEZIS boots and saw them before the rest of the world, it was unforgettable!

– Soccer is basically a team sport. How do you put together a strong team for a tournament?
– It seems to me that you need to pay attention to two things: the character of the person and the purpose for which he takes part in the tournament. That is, if it is for example adidas Tango League, then you need to find out what is more important to the player – team or individual standings. And, of course, it is equally important to pay attention to how a person plays and how he feels on the soccer field.

– So the team only needs experienced players?
– Actually, it’s not quite like that. A person can play not so long ago, but you can play with him quickly. This is also important.

– And what goal do you pursue at the tournament?
– For me it is important to come to some result with the team. During the games the team supports and helps me a lot. In a good team you want to be better. The first time I got the All Star (recognition as the best player of the series), it was so unexpected for me. I think it was the team that helped me to come to such a high personal result.

– What was it like the day you received your first individual award at this year’s tournament?
– I was on my way to play cool with the team. And it turned out that we won with the team and I got this award. It was very nice!

– Does your team help you realize some moments on the field?
– Yes, the guys help me on the field, and before the match we definitely charge up for the game.

– How much time do you spend on trainings and what kind of trainings are they?
– We play with half of the guys from the tournament team in my main professional team Strogino. We train often, if we can, we stay after training and work out some moments.

– How much training do you need to do to become a tournament champion?
– It’s probably not only about training, I think the main thing is desire and aspiration to win. And, of course, it is important to work, to work not only for personal results, but also to be a part of the team. As they say: one is not a warrior in the field.

– Are you interested in any other areas besides classical soccer? Maybe pan or freestyle with the ball?
– After the first games of the tournament I was very much attracted to pana. And now, when we go out with a group of friends, we take the ball with us and often play pana. It is a good training, by the way, before matches. After all, panna has everything you need: an opportunity to work on technique and speed.

– How did you find out about the adidas Tango League tournament and why did you decide to apply?
– Once after our training the guys in the locker room told me about the tournament, but at that time they had no places in the team, and I was even a little upset. But then I thought that I would take part another time. I came out of training, went to the subway. And then I got a call from the guys who had already assembled a team to participate in the tournament and said that they had one place available. And it just so happened that I became part of the team.

– How was the semifinal at the CSKA stadium?
– Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play, as I was injured. But I was at the stadium to support the guys. The atmosphere was unreal, I really wanted to get on the pitch myself!

– If you had the opportunity to play for any soccer club, which team would you like to be a part of?
– I think it would be Real Madrid.

– What advice would you give to those guys who didn’t have time to apply for the new year?
– Try to make it to the tournament no matter what happens. The prizes that the finalists get are very worthy and can and should be fought for. The adidas Tango League tournament gives you a chance and it’s important to take advantage of it.